Former president of Netball Jamaica (NJ) Marva Bernard believes the appointment of Sasher-Gaye Henry as the head coach of the Sunshine Girls is a positive development, and one that will help to move the national senior team forward.

On Monday, Netball Jamaica announced the former Sunshine Girls player as the team’s new head coach. She replaces veteran Connie Francis, who parted ways with the association in the aftermath of her contract expiring following the senior team’s bronze finish at the Netball World Cup in South Africa in August 2023.

Bernard, who was Netball Jamaica boss from 2006 to 2015, expressed confidence that Henry will excel.

“It’s always a good thing when former national players come back to serve their sport,” said Bernard.

She pointed to a parallel with England’s coaching staff, featuring former players who are Henry’s contemporaries.

“Interestingly, the current national coaches of the England Roses were on the England Under-21 team at the World Youth Championship in Wales in 2000. Sasher was on the silver-medal-winning team that was coached by another former national player Janet Guy, so it’s a good thing to give back.

“Being a former player, she should be acutely aware of what she needs to perform her job successfully. Being a trained teacher, she should know how to impart her knowledge. I pray she leads with confidence, empathy, and wisdom,” the veteran sports administrator said.

“NJ should ensure that continuous professional educational development opportunities are made available for their national coaches. Learning in any business is constant, and netball is no exception,” Bernard added.

Winston Nevers, a former co-coach of the Sunshine Girls team, expressed delight that Henry has been given the task to lead the Sunshine Girls.

“I think that is a good appointment,” said Nevers. “Sasher was there before and she left, but I think that this time around she has gathered more experience and she is a very bright girl, and I think the Sunshine Girls players love her, so I know that she will do well in the job,” he said.

Nevers said he has known Henry for many years, dating back to when he coached her during her at Jamalco in local netball competition, and she has always been a very respectful and hard-working individual both on and off the court.

“Sasher is a very confident person, and she is a player that could play anywhere on the court and she feels that she can move the world. So, if she takes that inside her coaching staff and gives more confidence, I think she will have a good team because she is a very good leader,” he said.

Nevers and Marvette Anderson were co-coaches of the Sunshine Girls team that finished fifth at the 2019 World Cup in England.