Free State Stars will go all out to avoid a shocking defeat as they host Super Eagles in a Nedbank Cup, Last 32 match on Saturday at Goble Park Stadium.
Kick-off is at 8:15pm.
Ea Lla Koto are favourites to secure passage to the next round and will be gunning for a victory against the National First Division side.
Having a fine run in the Premier Soccer League so far, Stars will be motivated heading to this cup encounter but will be wary of becoming first round casualties.
Coach Luc Eymael will bank on their previous 2-0 win over Baroka FC in the league as they want to win their first ever Ke Yona trophy.
Free State managed a runners-up finish in 1994 final losing to the now defunct Vaal Professionals in the Bob Save Super Bowl as QwaQwa Stars, but they reached the Last 16 last season as they lost 4-1 at home to Orlando Pirates.
Shifting focus to the NFD side, Eagles come into the match having suffered a 1-0 loss at the hands of Mbombela United in a National First Division clash this past weekend.
They have suffered two losses and one draw in their previous three matches and find themselves sitting just three points above the relegation zone in the second tier.
Eagles will head to this clash as they meet Stars in a derby, but will be making their debut in the Last 32 of the Nedbank Cup which could be a challenge.
They earned their place in the main draw thanks to an emphatic 3-0 win over Black Leopards in a preliminary round played back in December 2017.
What the teams are saying:
Free State Stars captain Paulus Masehe:
“We will not be underestimating Super Eagles, we are taking each and every match equally serious," Masehe said.
“We are all aware and witnessed in the past what the lower teams can do to a PSL team. The team is more than ready.
“We have played a few friendly matches against them and we came out victorious, but we cannot read too much into the friendly matches. Saturday it will be a different ball game.
"I must say the pressure is on us as they have got nothing to lose, but we will make sure that we finish the match in the 90 minutes, and have the bragging rights at the end of the match."
Super Eagles coach Antonio Flores:
“It will be a difficult game for the team. Stars are experienced and doing well in the Absa Premiership, but this is a cup game and anything is possible,” said Flores.
“We know them and I can tell you it will be an open game because cup games are like that. We are ready, we have prepared for the match.
“We are not playing for points now and that means we must try and convert all our chances. That has been our downfall in the league as we fail to score after playing good football.
“I hope football will be the winner on the day because I am expecting a good, open affair against Stars.”
Key players for Super Eagles:
Thato Moloi:
The 28-year-old midfielder will be tasked with closing down Stars in the heart of the park and ensure he wins all the duels. Coming up against the likes of Paulus Masehe and Makhehleni Makhaula will be a challenge, but he is experienced for such assignments.
Jappie Tshabalala:
The right back will relish the opportunity of facing the likes of Sinethemba Jantjie and Siphelele Mthembu. Eagles will pin their hopes on Tshabalala as the man to stop Stars’ attacks.
Rooi Mahamutsa:
The experienced central defender has revived his career in Bethlehem and will welcome an opportunity to challenge for this trophy with Ea Lla Koto. His communication at the back will be vital as they will want to avoid a shocking defeat.
Siphelele Mthembu:
Mthembu is one of the underrated finishers in the top tier and his mission is to lead Ea Lla Koto to glory as they meet a local NFD side. He scored last weekend and will be dangerous when unmarked.
ref...supersports
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