With an astounding goal shooting success rate of over 90 per cent this calendar year, it is no surprise that the lanky NWU and SA Proteas goal shooter, Sigi Burger, scooped the prize for NWU Sports Senior Sportswoman of the Year in October.

Burger has been a mainstay of the NWU Varsity Netball team for the past four years and her achievements on the court speak for themselves. There has been a significant transformation from Burger as a fresh-faced first-year in 2014 to the highly confident SA Proteas netball player in 2018. It is fitting that Burger took the prize in her final year at the NWU to cap off what has been a wonderful adventure for this passionate netball star.

‘Taking the title for the best sportswoman is an incredible achievement for me. Previously, Caster Semenya took the title and I could not compete with all her achievements. I am grateful that I was nominated and won in my final season,’ said Burger who was part of the 2015 and 2015 NWU-Pukke Varsity Netball squads.

The year 2018 saw Burger participate in the Commonwealth Games and numerous quadrangular series matches for the Proteas. She was also a fixture for the NWU Varsity netball team and played outstanding netball for the Surrey Storm Netball Team in the competitive English Netball League.

‘Playing in England this year has been a fantastic experience and I’ve learnt a lot playing against some of the top netball players in the world,’ she said.

Now, barely a month after winning the prestigious NWU Sports award, Burger finds herself back in the United Kingdom, where she is training with the Surrey Storm netball team in preparation for a blockbuster season ahead.

‘The second season will be an opportunity to really step up my game. Surrey Storm has a new coach and a few new players like my fellow Proteas player, Shadine van der Merwe. So it good to have that SA connection here in England. The work ethic will be high and I feel that I’ve settled in. We will be pushing for a top-4 spot,’ she said excitedly.

This goal shooter extraordinaire believes she would not be such a household name in NWU netball circles if it weren’t for former NWU Varsity netball coach, Dorette Badenhorst and NWU netball manager, Helene Botha’s assistance and help in the past four years.

‘Dot (Badenhorst) has made me the netball player I am today. She helped me improve my agility and movement in the circle, among other things, she said.
According to Burger, her height makes it even more difficult to shoot accurately as she has a different view of the goal to other shooters.
‘People think it’s easier to shoot goals at my height. I developed into a goal shooter at La Rochelle High School For Girls in Grade 9. The team didn’t have a goal shooter at the time. Since then, it has been my favourite position.’

Burger’s recipe for success includes her work ethic and her confidence in her abilities, in particular.
‘I shoot at least 300 goals a day and try to get into a shooting rhythm to build momentum. You just have to walk on the court and back yourself. Much of the goal shooter’s success lies in your mental ability,’ expressed Burger.

Next on the horizon is the chance to play for the Proteas at the 2019 Netball World Cup in Liverpool and, with an attitude of improvement and excellence, Burger is sure to be in the running for a spot on the biggest stage.
‘I want to improve my goal average to 94 per cent this year and improve my game as much as possible. My dream is to play in the World Cup next year.