Mcelwa Nchabeleng

Mcelwa Nchabeleng

Free State Stars' spirited display against Mamelodi Sundowns in a cup match on Sunday makes them favourites to upset visiting Bidvest Wits in an Absa Premiership match in Bethlehem today.

The two meet at Goble Park Stadium at 3.30pm.

Ea lla Koto gave a star-studded Sundowns fright, but goalkeeper Brian Baloyi stood firm to ensure that the Brazilians won the tie.

"We gave a strong team like Sundowns a run for their money and we are all motivated by our performance on Sunday.

"This is despite the fact that we ended up losing that match," Louis "Sprinter" Tshakoane, Stars' director of marketing and communications, said yesterday.

"We should be forgiven for being positive of beating Wits at home, but this does not mean that we are going to underestimate them."

Dennis Tshabalala, Wits' spokesman, admitted yesterday that it would not be easy in Bethlehem.

But he maintained that they were going down there to compete for a win.

"We are entertaining hopes of getting the three points in Bethlehem just like Stars do.

"We know what to expect out there but we are keen to overcome the challenges," Tshabalala said.

While Tshakoane announced a clean bill of heath in their camp yesterday, Wits will be without Wilson Shendzelani and Bienvenu Tipa who are both suspended.

Abram Raselemane is not fully fit for the match, but David Radebe is back from suspension to add oomph up front.

The visitors' defenders should be wary of strikers Diyo Sibisi and Fanyana Dhladla who could tear past them.