Former Proteas coach remains embroiled in a legal dispute with Netball SA

President of NSA Cecilia Molokwane revealed to SABC Sport that the national federation is still embroiled in a legal conflict with ex-coach Badenhorst.

Badenhorst, ousted by the NSA for allegedly losing control of the dressing room, was replaced by Australia’s Norma Plummer eight months before the World Cup on home soil.

Despite the NSA’s assertions, Badenhorst, in an interview with the national broadcaster shortly after being sacked last year in November, stated that she was dismissed through an unsubstantiated letter.

Consequently, she initiated legal proceedings against the NSA for unfair dismissal, and the protracted case has persisted for over a year.   

“Yes, I can confirm that Dorette is pursuing a lawsuit against Netball South Africa for unfair dismissal, but I prefer not to delve deeper into the matter as it is currently a legal issue, and I believe there are restrictions on discussing anything legally binding. Our legal team is actively handling the case. The legal battle is ongoing, and we are anticipating the final verdict. I am constrained from providing further details,” Molokwane exclusively disclosed this information to the national broadcaster.

Molokwane disclosed that Badenhorst held the distinction of being the highest-paid coach ever selected by the NSA.

She had secured a four-year contract to guide the Proteas to the World Cup in Cape Town.

Regrettably, reports surfaced of player dissatisfaction with her leadership, ultimately resulting in her dismissal.

READ: Jean-Louis Gasset ready to unleash Cote d Ivoire poster boy Sebastien Haller

“Dorette commanded the highest coaching salary; the federation compensated her generously with a substantial financial package. Let us just wait for the outcome of her battle against the NSA,”

SABC Sport’s attempts to reach coach Badenhorst on Thursday for her latest comment proved unsuccessful.

Molokwane acknowledged that the amount being sought is in the range of several million.

In essence, according to a reliable source, the NSA is facing a lawsuit for alleged breach of promise, citing the premature termination of Badenhorst’s contract.

“The knives are drawn, and Dorette, along with her legal team, is aggressively pursuing legal action against NSA for an early termination of her contract without valid reasons and through a letter,” disclosed the source.

Nevertheless, the NSA officially affirmed that the resolution of the matter was imminent.

NSA is hoping to put the matter to bed before announcing the new Proteas head coach in March.