The Dube Birds have been hit hard by injuries and suspensions in recent weeks and having an extra three players at his disposal will bring much relief to coach Gavin Hunt.

Team manager Bennett Mtshali confirmed that Namibian international striker Henrico Botes has been registered with the league and is expected to start today.

Another Namibian, George 'Road Block' Hummel has received his work permit and will be hoping to return to action today, while stalwart defender Warren Lewis is also available again after shrugging off an injury.

Newly-signed Senegalese striker, Mame Niang, will not feature today, but he is expected to be registered by tomorrow, making him available for the team's next fixture - a home match against SuperSport United on August 17.

Following last weekend's defeat to Santos, Hunt will be expecting nothing less than three points from the match against Stars today, but it won't be an easy task against a new-look Stars side, who also lost their first match (1-0 to Sundowns).

Stars are expected to star with a combination of Fadlu Davids and Dingane Masanabo up-front, with Jackie Ledwaba available from the bench.

Games at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polekwane are always difficult for the visiting teams, and with Owen Da Gama in charge, Hunt's men are going to have to be at their very best to take anything from this game.