FREE State Stars have lost new goalkeeper Dauda Diakite for at least five months after a freak accident on his debut last Saturday.

The Burkina Faso international slipped and badly twisted his knee, doing serious ligament damage, as he was clearing the ball as Ea Lla Koto began their league campaign with a 1-0 home defeat to Kaizer Chiefs.

His knee buckled out from under him as he kicked the ball upfield and he was taken off with the game only 42 minutes old. Diakite underwent scans on Monday to be given the disappointing diagnosis.

"It will be at least five months," said Stars' general manager Rantsi Mokoena, who had been fearing the goalkeeper could sit out the entire season.

Diakite was one of two debutants from Burkina Faso for Stars on Saturday.

Defender Robert Sankara came through the game with flying colours and will likely line up again tonight when they meet Platinum Stars at Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace. Kickoff is at 7.30pm.

Ayanda Mtshali will take the place of Diakite in goal for the Free State outfit but they also have 32-year-old Johnny Mathole standing by for his Premier Soccer League debut.

He joined Stars from National First Division campaigners Sivutsa Stars this season.

Both Free State and Platinum Stars will be seeking to bounce back after opening day defeats on Saturday.

Dikwena got their 2014-15 season off to a poor start, going down 2-0 at newly promoted Chippa United in Port Elizabeth at the weekend.

But they have won four of the past five meetings against their Free State namesakes and this could inspire the players to win in front of their home supporters.