Johannesburg have won the championship for four consecutive years and remain favourites to lift a fifth straight title when the tournament concludes at Stellenburg High School on Tuesday.

Matthyse says injuries and the clash between the tournament and academic commitments have played a major role in Tshwane’s struggles.

"I think the last few years a lot of injuries, Proteas being pulled out. We had to look into our depth as well because if players are pulled out you need to have the second line just coming in and that's something that we had to look at,” Matthyse said.

“I do think that over the past few years having the Champs in December makes a huge difference where players write exams and they are in the finals or they've got subs or whatever. So, that's something that we are moving away from and it makes a huge difference for the student athletes especially."

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Tshwane made a positive start to their campaign with a 55-47 victory over Dr Kenneth Kaunda on Thursday.

Matthyse says the blend of experienced campaigners and exciting young talent has brought much-needed balance to the team.

"We have a lot of experienced players but I think it's a well balanced team. With Inna-Ammerie back as well and Regina as well, they bring a lot of experience in the team,” she added.

“There are players, youngsters and older players, when I say older players, I mean 31 year olds, still young but it's just a great dynamic in the team where everybody can pull their weights and do their jobs and that's what you want in a team."

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