Zenay Jordaan’s involvement in the Gallagher High Performance Academy (GHPA) has “ignited a fire” inside her to become a high performance coach.
When Zenay retired from playing after the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand, she was her country’s most-capped player, had represented her country in six global tournaments and been named Springbok Player of the Year in 2013.
There was little more for Zenay to achieve as a player, but she knew that there was much for her to learn in her second rugby career, as assistant coach of Eastern Province Queens and South Africa Women Under-20s.
Zenay was part of the GHPA WXV 2023 cohort, and had the opportunity to share her experience and exchange ideas with other women starting out on their coaching pathway – an experience that she believes helped shape her coaching philosophy.
“The programme changed my perspective massively about what it takes to become a high performance coach,” Zenay told World Rugby.
“I gained insight, as well as knowledge, on ways of coaching; and that it is more than just being a coach in the space.
“The programme also assisted me with having confidence in my ability to coach and equipped me with necessary skills needed to perform duties, as well as awareness around my learnings.
“I am fully aware that there’s still a lot to learn through the GHPA RWC 2025, but the GHPA has ignited a fire inside me to continue my journey towards becoming a high performance coach.”
Zenay initially planned for a career as a firefighter, but gave that up when South Africa offered her one of the country’s first women’s professional contracts. It was a decision she’s never regretted.
“I realised when I started coaching for the first time how much I truly enjoyed sharing my knowledge and learning from other coaches,” said Zenay.
“I enjoy being part of something so special, in a sport that I have played my entire life, and being granted the opportunity to help other players become better. I enjoy giving back.”
