The former Proteas defender will succeed legendary coach Burta de Kock at the end of the season, stepping into a role that represents a significant new chapter after years at the highest level of the sport.

Pretorius is currently serving as an assistant coach with the Kovsies in Varsity Netball, with the team preparing for its final two round-robin fixtures before this weekend’s playoffs.

Karla Pretorius with her daughter and husband, Werner Pretorius - Hannes Naudé/ASEM Engage

Her appointment comes only weeks after she brought the curtain down on her international playing career at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

The Free State stalwart retires with 125 Proteas Test caps to her name, having cemented her reputation as one of South Africa’s premier defenders and one of the most respected players of her generation.

Pretorius represented the Proteas at two Commonwealth Games, in 2014 and 2018, and featured at three Netball World Cups in 2015, 2019 and 2023.

There could be few more fitting places for her coaching journey to begin than UFS, where her own career first took shape.

Pretorius will take over from De Kock, who played a pivotal role in her development at university and will retire at the end of the season following an outstanding 24-year tenure.

During that period, De Kock helped transform UFS into one of the leading forces in South African university netball. She produced 20 Proteas and guided the Kovsies to five Varsity Netball titles, while also enjoying success with the Free State Crinums and the national team.

For Pretorius, succeeding her former mentor adds an extra layer of significance to the appointment.

Refiloe Nketsa and Burta de Kock - Morgan Piek

Speaking to the OFM Sport, Pretorius described the opportunity as a “full-circle moment”.

“This is where everything started – where I got my degree, had my first taste of high-performance netball, and really developed and grew as a person and as a player.

“To now get the opportunity, after learning from Tannie Burta over the years, to take over from her is a full-circle moment. I’m really excited, but I also understand the big responsibility that comes with taking over from her and the legacy she has built.

“At the same time, I’m equally excited to see what I can contribute and how I can further build this programme.”

Karla Pretorius during her unveiling and the new Kovsies coach - Morgan Piek

Pretorius is under no illusion about the size of the task ahead, but believes De Kock has left her with strong foundations on which to build.

She also sees the opportunity to continue learning from her former coach as a major advantage.

“I think the advantage is that I really understand the structure and what has been done over the years,” she said.

“I can learn from the things that have worked, as well as the things that haven’t, and build from there. Having someone like Tannie Burta still available as a mentor, even though she is finishing up, will also be invaluable.”

The immediate priority, however, is helping the Kovsies secure a place in the Varsity Netball playoffs.

UFS face Madibaz at Rembrandt Hall in Pretoria at 13:00 on Sunday before taking on Central University of Technology at the same time on Monday in what will be the first Bloemfontein derby in Varsity Netball.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport