Masehe and Moholo back to bolster Stars against Celtic

A REJUVENATED Free State Stars will have a full-strength squad going into the much-anticipated provincial derby against Bloemfontein Celtic at Seisa Ramabodu Stadium on Sunday after the return of Paulos Masehe and Manti Moholo.

The well-travelled attacking midfielder Masehe and defender Moholo are back from suspension to bolster Steve Komphela's side after they missed last Saturday's Nedbank Cup match against SuperSport United at Goble Park Stadium.

But their absence was not felt in that encounter as Stars managed to beat United 1-0 to set up a quarterfinal clash with Orlando Pirates. Stars general manager Rantsi Mokoena said they were excited that they will have the influential Masehe and Moholo back for such a crucial match.

"We are delighted," he said yesterday. "We are focusing on finishing in a creditable position now that the league title is out of our reach. Our target is to finish the season well inside the top-eight bracket to qualify for MTN8 next season.

"We owe Celtic big time after they embarrassed us at home in the first round and we are going all out for revenge. We have been recruiting a lot of new supporters, so it is important for us to maintain the winning rhythm to make them happy."

Stars team manager and Rantsi's brother Kootso Mokoena said the players and technical staff appreciated the support.

"The support has been been incredible and the team is performing well because of their continued backing," he said.

Celtic, through club operations manager Khumbulani Konco, warned: "We beat them in the first round and nothing will stop us from doing the same in the second round."