Amakhosi midfielder Mandla Masango has had both high points and low points this season in games against Free State Stars. The nimble-footed Masango came off the bench and set up a goal for Sthembiso Ngcobo as Chiefs defeated Stars during a Telkom Knockout Cup quarterfinal game earlier in the season.

The South Africa U-23 international suffered the agony of defeat with the Amakhosi when they went down to Stars in a league game in Phutadijaba back in December.

Chiefs loss against Stars on the 11th of December was particularly hard to take for Masango as he came off the bench and despite making an impact and having a shot hit the woodwork Chiefs ended up going down 1-0.

He is looking to correct that loss with another sterling performance when Chiefs host Stars in what can only be described as a crucial Absa Premiership clash on Saturday night at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

“It was frustrating the last time we played Stars” reflecting back on the game Masango said, before adding on “it was hard losing to Stars because the team did well and we had chances and we should have got a goal or two in that game.”

For Masango it is all about helping Chiefs put that defeat behind them and his aim is to lift the Amakhosi to victory, “we know what to expect from Stars, in the two games we played against them this season they demonstrated that they are a difficult team to play against.

Both those games were very challenging and Stars are a tough team who can at times take a very physical approach to the game, we are ready and I feel well prepared for the game.”

According to Masango Chiefs remain confident and are not throwing in the towel when it comes to the championship race, “football is a strange game one win and the entire complexion of your fortunes can change.

For us it is important to carry on aiming to win every game and not letting up in our quest to do so, we at an important stage of the season and it is up to us to keep on battling for every point.”