AS THEY prepare to enter the unknown against AmaZulu this weekend, Free State Stars will be hoping to open their 2017-18 Absa Premiership season on a winning note by upsetting the PSL returnees, now under head coach Cavin Johnson.
Stars will open their campaign against a virtually overhauled Usuthu side that bounced back to the Premiership via the back door when they bought Thanda Royal Zulu’s status.
But Ea Lla Koto boss Rantsi Mokoena is convinced they have assembled a credible side ready to compete in the new season.
They have roped in two goalkeepers, Badra Ali Sangare and Kwizer Olivier from the Ivory Coast and Rwanda respectively, after losing 28-year-old Thela Ngobeni, who returned to his club, Mamelodi Sundowns.
The side has been further bolstered by Sello Jaftha’s return from Orlando Pirates and Mumini Abubakar’s return from Black Leopards, both of whom should be in Stars’ starting lineup at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.
Mokoena said they intended roping in more players and could conclude their deal with Siphelele Mthembu today: “When Mthembu signs we will be left with space for one player to conclude our signings for this transfer period.”
He was, however, non-committal about signing an out-of-shape Edward Manqele: “It is a fact that Manqele is overweight. We will only decide once he sheds some kilos. He will, however, continue training with us but we’re making no commitment yet from our side.”
The Stars boss believes they have made some good signings and hopes they will be competitive: “We look to achieve a healthy top eight finish this season.
“There will be no excuses this time around with the quality we have.”
