Mcelwa Nchabeleng

Mcelwa Nchabeleng

Free State Stars will not rest on their laurels but will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that they finish in a commendable position on the Absa Premiership log this season.

This was the words of Stars' influential skipper, Duncan "King" Lechesa, after their 2-1 win over basement club Black Leopards at the hot Thohoyandou Stadium on Saturday.

"Obviously we are encouraged and thrilled about our performance this season, but we are not going to relax because it will not be easy in our next matches," Lechesa said.

He added: "Many teams will triple their efforts to beat us but I'm convinced that we will be equal to the challenge. The players are motivated and our technical staff has been working hard to sharpen us at training."

Though they are among title hopefuls this term, the burgeoning linkman refused to admit that they could wear the crown at the end of the season.

Ea lla koto are under the mentorship of Malawian coach Kinnah Phiri who has been doing an excellent job at Stars.

While Stars are shining brightly in third position on the log, before yesterday's matches, Leopards are hobbled at the foot of the table and staring the relegation axe in the eye.

Tshifhiwa "Chief" Thidiela, Leopards' spokesman, admitted after the match that they were in trouble.

"However, we might be down but not out and we refuse to be demoralised by the poor results we have been getting this season," Thidiela said.

"The players are determined to collect three points against AmaZulu in our next match in Durban on Saturday."

Stars were the first to score on the half-hour mark through Nathael November and the goal inspired the visitors as they continued to surge forward for more goals.

The visitors were rewarded for their determination when they got the second goal through Thulasizwe Mbuyane in the 58th minute.

The hosts reduced the arrears through Eric Ramavhale four minutes later but could not get more goals.