Free State Stars coach Serame Letsoaka admits that his aim is to collect maximum points against Highlands Park when the two sides lock horns on Sunday.

Ea Lla Koto recently fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium when Mohammed Annas’ first-half strike was canceled in the second half by the Team of Choice duo Evans Rusike and Lebohang Maboe.

The 53-year-old coach has urged his side to collect all three points against the Lions of their North, to further steer them away from the relegation zone.

‘We need to pick ourselves up for the very next match against Highlands Park at home and make sure we collect maximum points to ensure that we leave a bigger gap between them and us,’ Letsoaka told the Maritzburg United website.

The former Bloemfontein Celtic coach believes Ea Lla Koto were outplayed against the Team of Choice and were forced to defend in the second half to prevent the opposition from scoring.

‘We played periodically and there were stages where the team was trying to play but we never really got to the second and third gear and I think that really killed us,’ He added.

‘Secondly, we made a lot of passing mistakes in very crucial areas from the players that we really trust, thus it made us turn and defend.

‘Maritzburg came very strong in the second-half, they made good changes at the right time. On the other hand, our substitution did not really make an impact in the game.’

The Team of Choice currently occupy eighth place in the Absa Premiership standings, having won five out of 19 matches played so far this season.

Free State Stars will now welcome Highlands Park to Goble Park when the two side’s meet in the Absa Premiership on Sunday.

Kick-off has been set for 15:30.