One title in the bag; now the fight to win a second title is the challenge that quite a few Tuks players will face this week during the 2023 USSA Netball Championships in Stellenbosch.

On Saturday night, the Jaguars emerged victorious in the Telkom National League against the Crinums, scoring 59 to 51 in Pretoria. The Tuks players played a crucial role in securing the win.

During the semi-final match against the Fireballs on Thursday, Alice Kennon, who serves as the vice captain of Tuks, showcased her exceptional accuracy as a goal shooter. She got the Player of the Match award. Kennon was also brilliant during the final.

In the buildup to the final, Tuks's captain, Kamogelo Maseko, twice got the Player of the Match award. They were not the only Tuks players who impressed during the Telkom Tournament.

But there is no time to celebrate. On Sunday, Tuks were off to Stellebosch to play USSA's. The tournament starts today.

Upon reviewing Tuks' team list, one might assume they need to be more experienced and, therefore, underdogs. However, Kennon has a different perspective.

She quickly points out that three weeks ago, Tuks were unbeaten during an Intervarsity Tournament in Potchefstroom.

"Our team's biggest asset is that we will keep going until the very last minute. When we step onto the court, it is a given that we will give 100%. It is what Tuks netball is about.

"Quite a few of our players were in action during the Telkom Netball League. The experience we have gained will stand us in good stead this week."

Kennon admits that the last few weeks had been hectic as she had to train with Tuks and the Jaguars. It is two coaches with different approaches.

"Then again, I like to learn. So I am open to any advice. You never know. There might be that one suggestion or comment that enables me to play better. As a goal shooter, you can never rest on your laurels. There is always something you can improve on.

"My best quality as a shooter is undoubtedly the ability to regroup during a game. There were times when I started out missing goal attempts. If it happens, it is easy to lose confidence in your abilities. Luckily I tend to snap out of it. Naturally, it helps to play for a team like Tuks, where you know your teammates got your back covered."

Kennon considers her mom and the former Tuks captain Marlize de Bruin role models.

"My mom was a passionate netball player but stopped when she went to university. She has regretted doing so. She always encourages me to keep playing and maximise every opportunity to avoid making the same mistake she made.

"When I came to Tuks, Marlize took me under her wings. She is the one who got me to believe in my abilities. I have learned so much from her. For that, I will be forever grateful."

The Tuks team playing at USSA: Alice Kennon (vice-captain), Amber Marshall (debut), Marichelle Visagie, Kamogelo Maseko (captain), Milla Coetzee, Kylie van Wyk (vice-captain), Caroline Paul (debut), Nompha Raphalani (debut), Phophi Nematangari, Luca Keun (debut), Zionne Grobler (debut) and Melissa van Zyl