Stars face daunting Wits test
Leading redemption campaign … Stars captain Paulus Masehe will lead his team against the Clever Boys in Bethlehem this weekend
The Clever Boys have had a superb start to the 2016 season with the MTN 8 trophy already in the bag
Free State Stars will have a high mountain to climb this Saturday when they host a rampant Bidvest Wits side in the first round of the 2016 Telkom Knockout cup competition in Bethlehem.
The match will serve as another opportunity for Ea Lla Koto mentor Giovanni Solinas to try the club’s fortunes around after the Bethlehem-based side got their season off to a wrong start under the tutelage of axed French coach, Denis Lavagne, who was sent packing three weeks ago.
Stars have so far been struggling in the league with no single victory to show six matches into the season. Meanwhile, Wits have had a dream start to the 2016 season with the MTN 8 trophy already in the bag after beating PSL champions Mamelodi Sundowns 3-0 in the final of the cup competition on October 1.
In August, the Clever Boys claimed the scalps of Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs in the league, as well as that of Orlando Pirates in the MTN 8 competition.
All this speaks volumes about Wits’ hunger for success this season and the Telkom Knockout is definitely part of the silverware they are targeting. And to achieve that they have to deepen the woes of a side that is desperate to salvage its season in Ea Lla Koto.
Stars managed to hold Maritzburg United to one-all draw at the James Motlatsi Stadium in Orkney, Northwest, last weekend in the league; claiming a much needed point that will go a long way in them redeeming themselves this season. This was Solinas’ first match in charge since his return and will be looking to carrying.
Stars will go into the cup tie against the Clever Boys without the services of Tholang Lwana, Christopher Mafoumbi and well as Makhehleni Makhaula. This was confirmed by the club’s physiotherapist Ryan Coert on the club’s website on Wednesday.
“Lwana had a right lateral malleolus fracture (ankle) and he will require a surgery.
“Other players who are still out injured are goalkeeper Christopher Mafoumbi and midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula is almost there and just need strengthening,” Coert was quoted as saying.
