TASC proved their mettle without veteran stars like Ogone Gabaratanelwe, Flora Keepile and Boitumelo Knight. Joseph Webb's charges netted 182 goals in three matches and conceded only 31.
In their opening encounter, the Francistown giants walloped Dukwi Refugee Camp debutants Youth Stars 57-6. In the second game, they demolished rivals Boasa 65-14 before walloping Kasane-based Bojanala 60-11.
As usual, TASC relied on talent and experience to overcome their less fancied opponents. After losing to TASC, hosts Boasa used home-ground advantage to win two games. Under the tutelage of Regent Mosimanewapula, the prison-backed side beat Bojanala 35-19 in a game that could have gone either way. It appeared as if Young Stars were not prepared enough for the competition as they suffered a 70-4 humiliation at the hands of Boasa.
Though Boasa were good at scoring, they were let down by their defence, which committed dreadful mistakes and allowed easy goals. Boasa scored 119 goals and conceded 88. In another game Bojanala beat Youth Stars 37-10. Speaking to Mmegi Sport after the games, TASC manager Bobby Ntereke, said the standard of all the teams was not bad. "
Though it was the first games, we expect a tough challenge as the league progresses," he said. He expressed hope that the teams would provide the much-needed entertainment for netball fans.
But he was worried by the fact that Gerald Estate is too far for ordinary people to attend games because of transport problems.
There was poor turn-up at the games mainly due to the distance. The TASC manager pointed out that by the time they reach the championship battle, all their absent players would be available and fit to play. "We are very confident of defending the title," vowed the army captain.
