Casric Stars desperate to bounce back against Maritzburg United

Stars got off to a poor start in the mini-league when they suffered a 1-0 defeat at home against Cape Town Spurs on Saturday.

Another loss will likely rule them out as favourites to join Polokwane City as new entrants in the DStv Premiership next season.

"I think we lost through the cross, you call it a thrown-in. I have to go and watch the game and see where to correct. What we can improve. There's nothing much that I can say because if you didn't watch the game, a replay, then you cannot correct much as a coach and sit with the technical [team]. We didn't do bad, we just conceded a goal," he said.

It will be the first time Stars play at night and Mthombeni is concerned about the advantage Maritzburg will have at Harry Gwala.

"Our first threat I think is gonna be because they play at night and they are gonna have a lot of supporters. We never play at night but we are working towards preparing the players to play at night," the coach explained.

The Stars mentor also spoke glowingly about his Maritzburg counterpart Fadlu Davids, who was in the stands when Mthombeni’s side lost to Spurs at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium.

The Team of Choice are looking to retain their top-flight status after ending second from bottom in the league.

"Coach Fadlu can go even to ABC Motsepe [League], he's a person that watches most of the games. It's how he actually got players. I cannot say he's here to read more about our team, it depends on the games. I think these boys against a PSL team are going to be more motivated and they can fight and do better."