Mokoena admits FS Stars had to sell players

Cape Town - Free State Stars general manager Rantsi Mokoena revealed that the club had to sell players to remain financially afloat this season.

Ea Lla Koto cashed in players after the sale of Ayanda Nkosi, Justice Chabalala and Sello Japhta to Orlando Pirates, and Lucky Mohomi to Mamelodi Sundowns in the recent transfer window.

Stars were also destabilized by the failed transaction to sell the club's Premiership status to a Moroka Swallows consortinum led by Gauteng's MEC of education, Panyaza Lesufi.

"We managed to make four sales this past window. We've created enough budget to carry us until the end of the season," Mokoena told KickOff.

"But the fact that next season is upon us and we are still in the same position, obviously it gives a platform to more problems going forward.

"However, there's talk of (the PSL) grant increasing next season so we will try our best to try and run a tight ship. But this season we sold enough to cater for the budget this season.

"And again it is always going to be our business model going forward to sell players in an effort to try and create a budget for the season."

Stars have appointed Themba Sithole as a caretaker coach while still searching for a permanent coach after Frenchman Denis Lavagne was fired last week.

Meanwhile, Stars will hope to bring Kaizer Chiefs back down to earth when they face the Soweto Giants on Wednesday in an Absa Premiership match.

Kick-off is at 19:30.