Free State Stars defender Justice Chabalala insisted that his breakthrough season for Ea Lla Koto was a ‘dream come true.

In October last year, Chabalala was promoted to Ea Lla Koto senior team, after impressing during pre-season camp and captaining the Multichoice Diski Challenge side.

The 24-year-old grabbed his opportunity with both hands and went on to produce a series of eye-catching performances during the season, reports the Free State Stars website.

The Stars defender has made a total of 22 appearances in his debut season cementing his place in defence for Ea Lla Koto.

‘Being drafted into the first team and going on to make a decent contribution in my debut season was a dream come true for me,’ said Chabalala.

‘From a personal point of view the season couldn’t have gone any better for me. I have confidence in my ability and feel comfortable at this level. There is no reason why I shouldn’t go on and reach greater heights in my career.’

The former Stars MDC captain reflected on the clubs topsy-turvy season after employing three coaches during the season, including Kinnah Phiri, Ernst Middendorp and Giovanni Solinas.

‘The coaching changes were definitely a factor in how our season panned out,’ added Chabalala.

‘There was a time when the season promised much and it looked as though we were going to finish in the top eight. Somehow we lost our momentum in the league. Maybe were distracted by our run in the Nedbank Cup.

‘But it’s all in the past now. If we can keep the players we have and strengthen the squad we will go far next season,’ he said.

At the end of the 2015-16 Absa Premiership campaign Free State Stars finished  12th on the league table with 35 point, picking up eight wins, eight draws and suffered 13 defeats from 30 matches.

PHOTO: Free State Stars website