Cape Town - Free State Stars coach Serame Letsoaka is confident his side can defeat Kaizer Chiefs in a Premiership clash at FNB Stadium.
Ea Lla Koto go into the contest with a measure of confidence having defeated the Lesotho national team 5-1 in a preparation match earlier this month.
In addition, the club have bulked up their squad with left-backs Thabang Matuka and Simphiwe Mtsweni having signed. Strikers Mohammed Anas and Allen Dorian Nono have also been added to the roster. Stars' fifth signing in January is that of playmaker Nhlakanipho Ntuli.
As such, Letsoaka is hopeful of a positive result.
"We are confident we can get the result against them. We will give them the respect they deserve as Chiefs. It will be very difficult for us given the form they are in, but we will always come up with a plan against Chiefs," he told Goal.com website.
Meanwhile, Chiefs come into the encounter with a seemingly more balanced and streamlined squad. In January it was confirmed that Siphelele Mthembu and Edward Manqele were to be released, while Enocent Mkhabela was loaned out to Platinum Stars.
The signing of Venezuelan striker Gustavo Paez also adds options up front for coach Steve Komphela. The Glamour Boys will likely also have a resolute and settled defence as Eric Mathoho and Lorenzo Gordinho recently signed new deals.
In other team news, Willard Katsande will be available for the outing after he returned to training from his extended break due to his exertions with Zimbabwe at the AFCON in Gabon.
Tuesday's action gets underway from 19:30 in Johannesburg.