Free State Stars got their new Premiership campaign off to a flying start with a magnificent win over Bidvest Wits at Goble Park with a 2-0 victory on Saturday afternoon.

 

Steve Komphela's side headed into the encounter on the back of a 2-1 defeat to SuperSport United last weekend in the MTN 8 quarter-final clash.

 

Ea Lla Koto challenged for top honours for the majority of 2011/12, but eventually finished the season sixth on the standings, eight points behind eventual champions Orlando Pirates.

 

The opening goal in Bethlehem came after 20 minutes when Wits goalkeeper Emile Baron failed to deal with a Dove Wome free-kick, allowing Paulus Masehe in for the finish.

 

Noah Chivuta then doubled the hosts' advantage just before the half-hour mark, Luyola Nomandela having shown good pace to beat Aaron Mokoena on the left side of the box.

 

Nomandela then sent in a quality ball along the deck that was hammered into the back of the net by Chivuta from the centre of the box.

 

Chivuta could've made it three-nil, the Zambian's shot having sailed over the crossbar after he was given time and space as he closed in on goal.

 

Baron also had to be on high-alert as Wome tested him after the hour-mark with on-target long-range attempts that took wicked deviations in a swirling wind.

 

With a new-look side under new coach Antonio Lopez Habas, the Students struggled to assert any real authority on the game and never really challenged Kennedy Mweene in Stars' goal.

 

Veteran defender OJ Mabizela almost gifted Ea Lla Koto a late goal after a lapse of concentration at the back, but the Clever Boys' defence recovered in time to prevent further agony.

Watch the highlights here

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