QwaQwa - Despite a tough opening three fixtures to the new season, the newly appointed Free State Stars coach Tom Saintfiet says he is not scared of facing Kaizer Chiefs in their first game of the season.
Ea Lla Koto will host the Phefeni Glamour Boys at the Charles Mopeli stadium in the second weekend of August.
The rest of their opening three fixtures will be played against Platinum Stars and SuperSport United, but the Belgian-born tactician revealed that he will welcome the challenge of overcoming one of the best sides in the PSL without fearing any of those opponents.
Saintfiet also admitted that the Amakhosi will be favourites to win their opening encounter but promises that his charges will give them a good run for their money.
“Playing against Chiefs will be a fantastic game to begin with,” Saintfiet said.
“Yes it will be a tough start for us looking at our first three fixtures.
“But we will up for the challenge.
“I have been with the national teams before, so am used to this kind of situations.
“Every game is a tough one, no easy games or friendly ones.
“We will be ready for them (Chiefs) and also for Platinum Stars and SuperSport United.
“I’m not afraid of any team, whether it’s Chiefs, Platinum Stars or SuperSport United.
“I love the game and the challenges associated with it.”
Stars finished the last campaign flirting with relegation and they managed to snatch up PSL survival when they beat Moroka Swallows 3-0 on the last day of the season to finish above Polokwane City.
The 41-year-old mentor hinted that his club’s ambition is to finish inside the top 8 at the end of the 2014/15 season.
He also said that his main mandate is to help the club win instead of fighting relegation.
“I’m here to help the club do well.”
“I’m not here to fight for relegation survival like last season.
“Our main aim is to reach the top 8 spot.
“But you can’t say that is 100% guaranteed.
“You can play good and attractive football and finish number 9 or 10.
“You can fail to play good and attractive football and still be number 5, it’s possible.
“Our aim is top 8 and maybe to do well also in cup football.
“I believe that if you are on a right track and the management is making good decisions, it is achievable.
Ea Lla Koto will host the Phefeni Glamour Boys at the Charles Mopeli stadium in the second weekend of August.
The rest of their opening three fixtures will be played against Platinum Stars and SuperSport United, but the Belgian-born tactician revealed that he will welcome the challenge of overcoming one of the best sides in the PSL without fearing any of those opponents.
Saintfiet also admitted that the Amakhosi will be favourites to win their opening encounter but promises that his charges will give them a good run for their money.
“Playing against Chiefs will be a fantastic game to begin with,” Saintfiet said.
“Yes it will be a tough start for us looking at our first three fixtures.
“But we will up for the challenge.
“I have been with the national teams before, so am used to this kind of situations.
“Every game is a tough one, no easy games or friendly ones.
“We will be ready for them (Chiefs) and also for Platinum Stars and SuperSport United.
“I’m not afraid of any team, whether it’s Chiefs, Platinum Stars or SuperSport United.
“I love the game and the challenges associated with it.”
Stars finished the last campaign flirting with relegation and they managed to snatch up PSL survival when they beat Moroka Swallows 3-0 on the last day of the season to finish above Polokwane City.
The 41-year-old mentor hinted that his club’s ambition is to finish inside the top 8 at the end of the 2014/15 season.
He also said that his main mandate is to help the club win instead of fighting relegation.
“I’m here to help the club do well.”
“I’m not here to fight for relegation survival like last season.
“Our main aim is to reach the top 8 spot.
“But you can’t say that is 100% guaranteed.
“You can play good and attractive football and finish number 9 or 10.
“You can fail to play good and attractive football and still be number 5, it’s possible.
“Our aim is top 8 and maybe to do well also in cup football.
“I believe that if you are on a right track and the management is making good decisions, it is achievable.