Free State Stars coach Giovanni Solinas says his side are preparing for a tough battle against Polokwane City at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday.

Rise and Shine will be hoping to bounce back following their 1-0 defeat against Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

The 49-year-old insists that the club is putting their recent defeat behind them as they prepare for a new tough battle.

‘Look, the matches are coming in thick and fast, the Pirates match is now water under the bridge; we need to dust ourselves and move on with our next assignment which is Polokwane City midweek,’ Solinas told the Free State Stars website.

‘Polokwane City will not be an easy game, they are a very tricky side as well especially playing at home. I must stress once again this league is stronger and there are no easy matches.’

Free State Stars will travel to the Peter Mokaba Stadium to take on Polokwane City in the Absa Premiership on Wednesday.

Kick-off has been set for 19:30.