After nine successful years at Northern Cape High School, Deon Carney is taking on a new challenge at Diamantveld High School.
A FAMILIAR face on the Kimberley school sports scene, Deon Carney has spent nine years shaping rugby at Northern Cape High sCHOOL. As an Old Boy of the school and its Director of Rugby, his expertise has made a lasting impact on both the first XV and Sevens teams.
However, now, after nine successful years at Northern Cape High, Carney is taking on a new challenge at Diamantveld High School (DHS). In a recent interview with the DFA, he revealed that Hoërskool Diamantveld approached him with an offer, which he accepted.
In this new role, Carney will serve as Rugby Organiser and Head of Junior Rugby, focusing on developing the Under-14, Under-15, and Under-16 teams. He brings with him years of experience and is eager to apply it to help Diamantveld’s young players thrive.
“I love to see the kids grow, learn, and excel. I am very excited for the new challenge, and I will do everything in my power to improve their talents and gameplay,” Carney shared.
Carney says that he remains committed to continuous learning, both for himself and his players.
“As a coach, I am still learning every day, and everything I learn, I will teach my players on the field,” he said. He also expressed optimism about Diamantveld’s future, stating, “I can see that Diamantveld is moving forward with a purpose and a clear plan for the future, and the future looks bright.”
But the new rugby brain at DHS brings more to the table than just nine years of coaching experience, as his rugby journey extends even beyond South Africa’s borders.
From 2010 to 2012, he played semi-professional rugby in New Zealand, representing the Under-20 Wellington Lions that competed in the prestigious ITM Cup.
Upon returning to South Africa, he played professionally for Griquas, the Leopards, and UKZN Impi’s Varsity Shield team from 2013 to 2014.
His coaching career blossomed in 2017 when he became the assistant coach for the Under-18 Craven Week team, which impressively won all three of their matches that year.
Now, having been warmly welcomed by the Diamantveld community, Carney feels right at home in his new position. He told the DFA, “I have really been welcomed with open arms, and from day one, I have felt at ease, and that helps a lot coming into a new school.”
With Carney’s expertise and dedication, Diamantveld’s rugby programme is in capable hands, and the school’s young players are sure to benefit from his leadership in the years to come.
