Stars toughen up mentally

EVEN losing can be beneficial, was Free State Stars coach Steve Komphela's characteristically philosophical way of looking at his side's 4-3 Telkom Knockout quarterfinal victory on penalties over Bidvest Wits at Milpark on Saturday night.

Stars bounced back from a 4-0 league defeat away to Platinum Stars by progressing to the semifinals of the Telkom after 120 minutes of goalless football could not separate the two teams.

Komphela said he had been working on the mental toughness of his players, which was evident on Saturday night.

"Our structure of our training sessions compliments the nature of the type of player we have in South Africa. Free State Stars do a lot of technical and tactical work and a lot of mental toughening," Komphela said.

"Even matches like the previous one we had in Rustenburg - to me, that was a hell of a good match. It is nice to lose sometimes because the taste of losing makes you a better person as you leave the field."

Stars have had their player power plundered after finishing sixth last season, especially in attack. Komphela admitted his side's lack of punch in front of goal was a concern.

- SuperSport United were the first to qualify for the semifinals after beating Maritzburg United 2-0 at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday night.