To most, being young in sports equates to inexperience, but Kamogelo Maseko is one for whom the "glass will always be half full and not half empty". 

"It is a given that we are a relatively inexperienced team. Quite a few of my teammates will play in varsity netball for the first time. I don't see this as a drawback. Remember, being young goes hand in hand with being hungry. You want to be the best and will go all out to prove it. That excites me for this tournament [Varsity Netball]," said the TuksNetball co-captain.

Maseko is not wrong in saying this. Earlier this season, during the USSA Netball Championships in Stellenobosch, Tuks also "fielded" a relatively inexperienced team. The team went on to contest the final. Maties ended up winning 49-42.

"We were really mixing it up with Maties until halftime. But there is a good reason why the third quarter is called the championship quarter'. Every so often, it is the make-or-break 15 minutes of any game. Unfortunately, our game plan unravelled in those few minutes after halftime. Our execution should have been better.

"After the USSA Netball Champs, we had a sit-down during which we had a frank discussion amongst ourselves as to what we did right and where we erred. Then it was a case of 'returning to the drawing board' to prepare for the Varsity Netball tournament."

Maseko is clear on what she wants from her teammates over the next few weeks.

"We need to play as a team. A case of one for all and all for one the biggest mistake we could make is to let the pressure get to us. I want us to utilise any anxiety to our advantage. If we do, anything is possible."

Maseko delights playing as a winger.

"I see myself as a playmaker that can bring calmness and composure to a game. It is vital to feed well to get the ball to the circle so we can score. One of my specialties is creating turnovers."
Tuks's other co-captain, Alice Kennon, plays as a goal shooter. Being one of the team's seasoned campaigners, she said her best quality is her 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 have your back covered."

The TuksNetball head coach, Jenny van Dyk, is excited to see how two of the team's youngsters, Luca Keun and Phophi Nematangari, will step up during the tournament.

"Luca Keun was selected as the defender of the tournament at SA Schools 2022. She plays goal defence. Phophi Nematangari was selected as the defender of the tournament at the SA U19 Championships, and she also played for the Gauteng Jaguars this year."

Tuks will start their 2023 Varsity Netball campaign on Sunday, playing UJ at 17:00 at the Wits Sports Hall. On Monday at 15:00, they will play UWC.