Stars thrive under Solinas effect
PIRATES CAN EXPECT MAJOR ONSLAUGHT
ITALIAN coach Giovanni Solinas has turned what threatened to be a disastrous season for Free State Stars into one now full of possibilities. A Telkom Knockout semifinal spot is already secured and they are unbeaten in their last three league matches, which all ended in draws.
They’ll be determined to turn those draws into wins when they visit sixth-placed Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium tomorrow (6pm), a fortnight after knocking the Soweto giants’ rivals Kaizer Chiefs out of the cup competition via a penalty shootout.
In that match, on a rainy afternoon in Durban, Ea Lla Koto played with no fear as they attacked a Chiefs defence that had gone into the game on the back of seven clean sheets in a row.
Stars’ approach, according to goalkeeper Thela Ngobeni, will not change when they come up against Bucs tomorrow. Stars want a win to move up from 14th place.
“We don’t change our game plan. It’s going to be an open and exciting game to watch. Let’s see what Pirates bring and we will take things from there.
“It’s good that we had a break. We got some time to prepare for the game against Pirates. We played a friendly against Royal Eagles last Friday, which was good. Everyone is ready to get going on Saturday,” said Ngobeni, who explained why Solinas has hit the ground running since joining the team.
“It’s important to remember the coach was here last season, so he worked with most of the guys. It was not a big change, just a few things to refresh the mind and bring in a few new things. He motivates everyone and makes everyone feel important. He makes everyone believe in themselves.”
To get something out of the game, Pirates have to beat Ngobeni, who had a blinder against Amakhosi, making a series of saves.
“Pirates will always come out and play. You cannot analyse them based on their last performances. Their coach [Muhsin Ertugral] is gone and obviously certain things will change. We will see, but we are expecting a tough game.
“We have to double our efforts.” Pirates v FS Stars, Orlando Ajax v Maritzburg, Cape Town Stadium, 8.15pm Plat Stars v Wits, Royal Bafokeng, 8.15pm SUNDAY Celtic v Polokwane, Dr Molemela Stadium Highlands v Arrows, Makhulong Stadium