Former top-tier players, Renee Matoe and Cushla Lichtwark will be part of an exciting new-look coaching trio after being appointed assistant coaches for defending champions Central Manawa in next year’s National Netball League (NNL).
They will join recently announced head coach Ngarama Milner-Olsen, who has been elevated from the assistant’s role she held in 2022. All three are former Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse players with Matoe and Lichtwark now having the opportunity to build on their coaching credentials in the high performance environment.
Succession planning is key to the Zone’s ability to build on its impressive success at NNL and ANZ Premiership level where the calibre of coaching has played an instrumental role. With a view to widening and developing their depth, Netball Central has a focus, wherever possible, to develop and progress potential from within its own ranks.
A physical education teacher and head of the netball programme at Manukura school in Palmerston North, Matoe, a goal attack/wing attack has a strong connection with the Manawa team. A former age-group representative, Matoe went on to ply her trade with Manawa in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2022, starting and finishing her NNL career as the Manawa player of the year.
She also made her debut for the title-winning Pulse In 2022, providing invaluable cover in an injury and Covid-dominated season and played as recently as last week for Manawatu in the Netball NZ Open Champs.
Matoe has been the Manukura head coach from 2016 -22 while also previously filling assistant coach and selection roles at age-group level and has completed her Performance Coach Qualification (PCQ) course.
``Since being a player in the National League, I have a greater understanding and appreciation of what it takes to perform on the national stage as well as the demands required to hit key performance outcomes,’’ she said.
``This opportunity will allow for personal development in the area of coaching and will be an experience that will enhance the desire to continue on.’’
A dogged and tireless defender, Lichtwark was a foundation Pulse player when netball moved into the semi-professional era with the launch of the trans-Tasman league in 2008. She captained the team in 2009 before retiring in 2011 and going on to forge an impressive career in football.
With over 15 years playing club, regional and franchise netball, Lichtwark started coaching while still playing, lending her expertise to school and club teams while also being brought in as a specialist on several occasions.
In more recent years she has been coaching the Wellington East Premier teams. Lichtwark has completed her Composite Coach Qualification and is currently working towards her PCQ.
``I have a passion for netball – having played at an elite level and now in a coaching capacity – and am excited about this opportunity to coach in a high performance environment,’’ Lichtwark said.
``Alongside striving to meet the team’s objectives and performance standards, I am also committed to my own personal development and am currently working through the Performance Coaching Qualification.
``I look forward to being able to continue to build on my coaching experience, be part of a high performance team, and support the work of the head coach and aspirations of the Netball Central Zone.’’