TRIBUTES, TEARS FOR BISHOP

Netball coach steps down for personal reasons; Yeo to lead S'pore to Asian c'ship

- Kimberly Kwek

Sports Correspondent There were times over the past few years when national netballer Jamie Lim thought that she had reached her peak as a player.

But national coach Annette Bishop saw untapped potential in her and helped her improve as Lim established herself as a key player on the team.

"She pushes us and tells us that we can go a step further," said the 24-year-old, who plays goal defence and goalkeeper. "She believes everyone has their own strengths." Lim was among those who paid tribute to Bishop, whose departure was announced after Singapore's 61-33 defeat by Kenya in the Mirxes Nations Cup final at OCBC Arena on Sept 7.

Citing personal reasons, the 57year-old Auckland native is stepping down before her contract ends in December to return to New Zealand.

Khor Ting Fang, who plays wing defence, goal defence and centre, echoed Lim's sentiments, recalling how Bishop appointed her as co-captain alongside Toh Kai Wei in 2021 when she had just two international caps.

"I don't think you'll see a captain with two caps anywhere else in the world, but she gave me that trust and I hope that over these few years, I've done her proud," said the 28-year-old, who was teary-eyed as she also recalled how Bishop supported her when she was struggling with stress from the game and personal life.