“This is a crucial match for us,” says coach Steve Komphela. “It is not going to be easy. We hope things have turned in our favour after the encouraging wins in our last two matches.”

The Amakhosi are traveling to Orkney’s James Motlatsi Stadium to play against Free State Stars on Wednesday, 28 September (kick-off is at 19:30).

“I worked at Free State Stars and I know them,” continues Komphela. “They love winning and one thing I know is that they don’t want to be seen at the bottom of the table.”

Ea Lla Koto have collected two points this season, while Amakhosi have amassed seven points, all coming from their last three matches. Both teams have played four matches thus far in the Absa Premiership.

“We have to be alert because they are going through changes in their technical team,” observes Komphela. “With Themba Sithole in charge it is not going to be easy for us. I had an opportunity to work with some of the players there - they have good qualities and attributes to give us a tough match.”

Chiefs collected four points from Stars in the last season, with a win at home and a draw away in Bethlehem.

“They are a difficult team to predict,” comments Komphela. “We have to go there mindful of the threat they pose.”

About the Chiefs supporters, who were wonderful during last Saturday’s match against Maritzburg United, the coach adds: “We are looking forward to get a boost from the stands.”

Komphela confirmed after the pre-match training on Tuesday afternoon that one of his prospects, the talented striker Ryan Moon, will be out for a period of six weeks after undergoing a knee surgery on Monday.