Netball president defends coaching set up in Singapore

Melton Williams, Gleaner Writer



President of the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA Marva Bernard has defended the selection of coaches used during the recently concluded World Netball Championships in Singapore.



Just under two months before the World Netball Championships, Oberon Pitterson replaced Connie Francis as head coach, while Annett Daley was appointed as the assistant.



However, the coaches were heavily criticised following Jamaica’s disappointing performance in Singapore.



There were also reports that the players were uncomfortable with the coaching staff. And after the JNA had targeted a historic gold medal, the Sunshine Girls crashed to a humiliating 82-46 defeat against eventual champions Australia in the semi-finals. In the playoff for the bronze medal, the Sunshine Girls were beaten 70-49 by England.



But Bernard says all the players had a good relationship with the new coaching staff ahead of the championship.



Following the championships, former coach Connie Francis said the entire netball programme should be revamped.



There were several changes to the programme following the appointment of Australian Jill McIntosh as technical director, five months before the championships.



McIntosh made several changes to the programme, including a stipulation for coaches and captain to submit resumes for positions.



melton.williams@gleanerjm.com