By Rorisang Ramphetenga:
There was a time when the chant “Yalla Koto!” rang through stadiums with pride and passion. Free State Stars, known affectionately as Ea Lla Koto, was more than just a football club it was the heartbeat of many supporters across the Free State.
Founded in 1977 in Bethlehem, the club rose from modest beginnings to become a respected name in South African football. Playing their home matches at Goble Park Stadium, Free State Stars built a reputation as giant slayers, often competing fiercely against the country’s biggest teams in the Premier Soccer League.
The club was owned by the late Mike Mokoena, whose leadership kept Ea Lla Koto alive through both triumphs and financial struggles. Under his guidance, the team maintained its identity as a community-driven club with deep roots in the province.
On the field, Free State Stars had moments that will forever be etched in South African football history. Their first breakthrough came in 1994 when they lifted the Coca-Cola Cup, announcing themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
Years later, they produced another unforgettable chapter by winning the Nedbank Cup in 2018, defeating Maritzburg United 1–0 in the final. That victory was not just about silverware it was a moment of pride for the entire Free State, a reminder that smaller clubs could still dream big.
Stars Major achievements include the win of Coca-Cola in 1994, and the win of the most loved cup in Mzansi Nedbank Cup in 2018
But as quickly as football can lift, it can also take away. In 2019, following relegation struggles, the club’s Premier Soccer League status was sold to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila. That decision effectively brought an end to Free State Stars as a top-flight entity, and over time, the club faded from professional football altogether.
Today, Free State Stars is no more. The badge, the players, and the matchday atmosphere are gone but the memories remain. For those who filled Goble Park, who travelled across provinces, and who proudly wore the colours, Ea Lla Koto will always be part of their story. “Yalla Koto” is no longer heard in stadiums, but it still lives on in the hearts of those who remember. – @NewsSA_Online
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