Free State Stars coach Giovanni Solinas admits his side will face a massive challenge when they take on Bidvest Wits in the Telkom Knockout Cup on Saturday.

The 48-year-old, who recently rejoined the Ea Lla Koto as head coach and will return to the technical area after finishing his suspension from last season.

However, Solinas says he is confident Ea Ll Koto will produce a solid performance against Wits after the squad impressed him during training.

‘The preparations have gone well as far as preparing for the Wits match over the weekend is concerned,’ Solinas told the Free State Stars website.

‘The boys are looking sharp and raring to go.

‘It’s going to be a tough match, we know Wits are a quality side and they have proved it by their good start to the season and winning the MTN 8 trophy recently. It’s certainly going to be a test match for our players.’

Solinas says he hopes playing the Clever Boys at home would give his side an advantage over the visiting side but he insists that Ea Lla Koto primary objective is to focus on getting out of the drop zone in the Absa Premiership.

‘One hopes that the home advantage can work on our favours as well. I must say our objective and priority right now is the league, and that is to move away from the relegation zone,’ he added.

‘That doesn’t mean we are not going to fight in the cup, as much as we want to move away from the drop zone we also want to do well in the Telkom Knockout.’

The match at Goble Park Stadium kicks off at 15:00.