Free State Stars coach Luc Eymael admits some of his players were not able to deal with the level of intensity Kaizer Chiefs produced during their MTN8 quarter-final clash on Saturday.

Ea Lla Koto were eliminated from the top eight competition after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Amakhosi at the FNB Stadium through goals from Dumisani Zuma, Leonardo Castro and Khama Billiat.

The Belgian tactician says he was not happy with his team’s performance on the day and he believes some of his players showed no character during the encounter.

‘I’m sure if we had scored one goal Chiefs would’ve panicked and we would have come back like the PSL game we saw between Highlands Park and Black Leopards [on Thursday] but to provoke that you need to push harder, press harder,’ Eymael told SuperSport TV after the game.

‘There were too many players not at their level, I’m sorry to say that. I like them a lot, I appreciate them it’s my boys but when it’s good I say it’s good when it’s not good I have to say the truth.’

Free State Stars will now turn their attention back to the PSL when they take on AmaZulu at the King Zwelithini Stadium on the 19 August, with kick-off set for 3pm.