NEW Free State Stars coach Tom Saintfiet says his side are ready for the challenge of the new season, starting with a home game against Kaizer Chiefs at Charles Mopeli Stadium on Saturday.
"After six weeks of pre- season and seven wins in eight warm-up games, we are now ready to play the real stuff," said the Belgian, who will make his Absa Premiership debut as Ea Lla Koto look to turn around their fortunes after a narrow relegation escape last season. "No one is injured, we feel we are prepared tactically and physically and I'm very satisfied with the players. I think we've got a good balance of experienced players and newcomers."
Saintfiet, 41, also has the advantage of having watched Chiefs last Sunday against Mpumalanga Black Aces in the MTN8.
"You can see why they are a top team but there are also things that we can look to take advantage of."
Top priority for the new coach, who has been the national team boss in Ethiopia, Malawi and Namibia, is to ensure he plugs the hole in Stars' leaky defence.
"Last season the team conceded 43 goals, which was the second-highest only behind Golden Arrows (50). But we also scored 32 goals, which is two more than Orlando Pirates scored and they finished fourth."
Saintfiet ready for new season
NEW Free State Stars coach Tom Saintfiet says his side are ready for the challenge of the new season, starting with a home game against Kaizer Chiefs at Charles Mopeli Stadium on Saturday.
"After six weeks of pre- season and seven wins in eight warm-up games, we are now ready to play the real stuff," said the Belgian, who will make his Absa Premiership debut as Ea Lla Koto look to turn around their fortunes after a narrow relegation escape last season. "No one is injured, we feel we are prepared tactically and physically and I'm very satisfied with the players. I think we've got a good balance of experienced players and newcomers."
Saintfiet, 41, also has the advantage of having watched Chiefs last Sunday against Mpumalanga Black Aces in the MTN8.
"You can see why they are a top team but there are also things that we can look to take advantage of."
Top priority for the new coach, who has been the national team boss in Ethiopia, Malawi and Namibia, is to ensure he plugs the hole in Stars' leaky defence.
"Last season the team conceded 43 goals, which was the second-highest only behind Golden Arrows (50). But we also scored 32 goals, which is two more than Orlando Pirates scored and they finished fourth."
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