Free State Stars coach Giovanni Solinas believes Rooi Mahamutsa and Thamsanqa Teyise brought stability to his side’s defence against Baroka on Wednesday.

Mahamutsa and Teyise made their first team debut has Ea Lla Koto claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Baroka after an own-goal by Lesedi Mapheto which separated the two teams on Wednesday.

Solinas admitted he was delighted by the performances of both Mahamutsa and Teyise and feels their experience in the Absa Premiership help his side overcome the newly-promoted side.

‘They have brought the stability at the back,’ Solinas told the Free State Stars website, ‘We were clinical when defending set pieces which was a great concern.

‘The two players experience was key in the win and that’s what we needed all along.

‘It was an impressive debut for them and one hopes they continue doing a splendid job so we can achieve our goal of moving out of the relegation zone.’

Free State Stars will now take on Bidvest Wits in the Absa Premiership on Saturday.

The match at Bidvest Stadium kicks off at 20:15.