SIVUTSA Stars will use their three remaining NFD matches to begin preparations for next season and rebuild the side.

This comes after Durban tycoon Sbu Mpisane, the club's new owner, gave a mandate to coach Duncan Lechesa to build a team capable to challenge for the league title.

The former Durban metro policeman-turned millionaire has made it clear he wanted to turn Stars into one of the most successful soccer teams in the country.

Stars, who will relocate from Mpumalanga to Durban at the end of the season, are left with games against Jomo Cosmos, Roses United and African Warriors.

"Now that the team is safe from relegation, we are starting with preparations for the new season," Lechesa said yesterday. The three remaining league games will form part of that process, the players are aware we will be going into the transfer market to beef up the team. I will give everybody a chance before we go into the market."

Stars are away to promotion-chasing Cosmos at Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa on Sunday. Lechesa has warned Ezenkosi not to expect favours. "We know Cosmos are one of the clubs [still] in the race for promotion, but we also want to finish in a respectable position on the log," he said.

Cosmos, who have seasoned players like Bamuza Sono, are one of the six clubs who are involved in a race to qualify for play-offs after Chippa United gained automatic promotion to the PSL last weekend with three matches to spare.

The teams finishing second and third in the NFD will feature in the promotional play-offs with the PSL side finishing 15th on the log.

Other clubs in the race for the play-offs are Black Leopards, Baroka FC, Milano United, United FC and Vasco da Gama.