Coach Denis Lavagne believes Free State Stars will be title contenders in the Absa Premiership this season.

After Giovanni Solinas resigned at the end of last season, the French tactician was appointed as the new head coach of Stars during a period of uncertainty at the club as a potential takeover loomed.

However, Lavagne says he feels confident that Ea Lla Koto has what it takes to have a successful Absa Premiership campaign this season.

‘My stay in Bethlehem has been good so far,’ Lavagne told Free State Stars website.

‘Free State Stars is a good club with a familiar ambiance, the staff, and the players can work well together to prepare for the season ahead. We have all the facilities at hand, to work and improve the skill and performance levels of the current squad.’

Lavagne believes that his activity during the transfer window has significantly strengthened the squad and he insists that Ea Lla Koto will become a force to be reckoned with.

‘The current squad is good and I’m happy with it. We’ve recruited some good foreign players at the end of August and, along with some of the former players of Ea Lla Koto, I think we have built a strong team that will be competitive,’ he added.

‘The first target of the current squad is to secure safety and pick up the necessary points needed to secure our status in the top flight. Once we achieve that, I hope we can compete to reach the top eight of the Premiership.’

Free State Stars welcome Bloemfontein Celtic to Goble Park Stadium on Tuesday.

Kick-off has been set for 19:30.