Domestic giants Tshwane bounced back with an explosive statement on Monday to remain unbeaten on the opening day of the Spar National Netball Championships in Potchefstroom.
After three consecutive senior A division titles, Tshwane were forced to withdraw last year due to a Covid outbreak in their squad.
However, they came back with a bang, beating county host Dr. Kenneth Kaunda 36-32 before posting a 43-27 win over defending champion Cape Winelands.
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“It’s a pity that we couldn’t come last year. We were well prepared, but Covid hit at the wrong time,” said Tshwane coach Jenny van Dyk.
“But we’re excited to be back and I definitely want to make the most of this opportunity, working with players who are so receptive and training.
“The players are able to adapt quite quickly and as a group we really get to know each other quite well.”
Johannesburg also got off to a great start to their tournament with wins over Buffalo City (49-22) and Mangaung (36-23) to share top spot with Tshwane in the round robin standings.
Title holders Cape Winelands struggled in their opening matches as they narrowly lost 30-28 to Nelson Mandela Bay before losing to Tshwane in the final match of the day.
After day one, Winelands were without a point and found themselves bottom of the table with Mangaung and Dr KK both keeping a game in reserve.
Buffalo City, a late entrant to the top-flight A division, were third in the early stages of the six-day championship after a stunning 27-25 win over Nelson Mandela Bay.
