Free State Stars coach Giovanni Solinas marked his return to the club with a 2-1 victory over National First Division side Jomo Cosmos in a friendly match on Saturday.

Ea Lla Koto produced some great football to fend off Cosmos at the VUT Isak Steyl Stadium following the Italian coach return to the club.

Stars right back Sifiso Mbhele scored a 72nd-minute winner after Cosmos midfielder Wiseman Maluleka cancelled out Goodman Dlamini’s 30th-minute opener.

Solinas was recently re-hired as the club’s head coach after the sacking of Denis Lavagne, who was in charge of the club for three matches this season.

Last season the Italian coach helped Stars to a 12th placed finish in the Absa Premiership before resigning from the club due to personal issues.

Free State Stars against Maritzburg United kicks off at 15:30.