Free State Stars midfielder Danny Venter says he is confident ahead of his side’s clash with Highlands Park in the Absa Premiership on Sunday.

Ea Lla Koto will now travel to the Makhulong Stadium where they take on the Lions of the North.

The 29-year-old says his side’s confidence was boosted after defeating the Clever Boys 3-1 in the Telkom Knockout Cup.

‘The preparations as far as going into the Highlands Park match have gone well,’ Venter told the Free State Stars website.

‘We have shifted our focus into the league matches and as much as the weekend cup victory against Wits boosted our confidence.

‘We want to forget about that match and concentrate on the upcoming match. The players and the technical team are working very hard to make sure that we get nothing but all three points against Highlands Park.’

Venter believes Ea Lla Koto’s clash against Gordon Igesund’s side will be a tough match as both sides are at the bottom of the Absa Premiership table.

‘We respect them as opposition and unfortunately they find themselves in the similar situation where we occupy the basement of the log,’ he added.

‘I strongly believe it’s going to be a tough match. They have a good few individual players and just appointed a good coach as well in Gordon Igesund.

‘The return of coach Solinas has paid dividends, he understands us and we understand him. It’s just a matter of time that other new guys understand him as well.’

Kick-off has been set for 15:30.