Manu ready to embrace Kia Magic opportunity
Press Release November 6, 2013
Netball is once again the sport of choice for talented defender Bessie Manu, unexpected recognition from out of the blue relaunching her ANZ Championship career with Kia Magic.
Having played in the trans-Tasman competition since its inception, starting with the Tactix in 2008, the Central Pulse in 2009-11 and back to the Tactix for 2012-13, Manu’s best years could yet be in front of her as she heads north, from Christchurch, with the prospect of fulfilling her early promise in a new environment.
Feeling she had done her dash with netball, Manu, 27, was on the verge of retirement as she eyed up her next sporting challenge and a shot at the women’s sevens rugby team for the 2016 Olympic Games.
That has been put on hold for now after the jack-of-all-trades defender was approached by in-coming Kia Magic coach Julie Fitzgerald. Manu had never met Fitzgerald at that stage, the pair finally meeting just a few weeks ago at the national championships in Dunedin but the Australian has long been an admirer, watching from afar during her tenure as NSW Swifts coach.
``It was quite a surprise really and that she had been watching me as a player over the years, especially being an Australia coach,’’ Manu said. ``From a personal point of view, I had always been attracted by the idea of being coached by an Australian to get a different perspective on defensive styles.
``My heart had been set on a different course at the time but things happen for a reason and this was certainly an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down. It is a new door opening which I’m really excited about.’’
Having played for New Zealand Secondary Schools and the New Zealand under-21 team while also being part of the New Zealand Accelerant squad, a bright future beckoned for Manu. Her talent is undoubted but standing at just 1.76m, lack of height when played as a circle defender has counted against her in recent times. She has roamed across the three defensive positions throughout her career but more latterly wing defence has probably been her true calling.
``I definitely enjoy playing in the circle but I do know that if I want to enhance my game that I do need to come out of there,’’ she said. ``I guess with my height disadvantage it (wing defence) is a better option for me, I just need more time to get used to that position.’’
The chance to train with Silver Ferns defensive divas Casey Kopua and Leana de Bruin while coming under Fitzgerald’s tutelage at Kia Magic is akin to netball heaven for Manu.
``One of the reasons I took the contract was to be coached by an Australian and all the different views compared to a New Zealand coach that will come from that,’’ she said.
``And what’s better than having probably the best defenders in the world to train with, learn from and lift your game? I’m just really excited.’’
Once she shifts to Hamilton, Manu is hoping to pick up a couple of university papers in sociology and social work while also looking to work part-time.
``It’s always good to be able leave netball at the door when you come in and switch over to something else,’’ she said.
Fitzgerald has watched Manu over a number of years and likes what she has seen.
``I just think she can be quite dynamic and make a really good impact player,’’ she said. ``Bessie has a great understanding of the game and really good anticipation skills.’’
Jane Hunt
Kia Magic media liaison
Ph: 021-107-0287
