HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
In 1977 a small team by the name Makwane Computer Stars was formed in a small village, in an area then called Qwa-Qwa, in South Africa. Today this area forms part of the Free State Province, an area lying "in the heart" of the country and sharing borders with six of the country’s nine provinces.
In 1986, the club gained promotion into the 1st division of the NPSL (now known as the Premier Soccer League).
ON THE MOVE-TO PHUTHADITHJABA
Because of rapid improvements on the field of play and in the club all-round, a sponsorship was secured from Fairway Supermarket, and a headquarter change soon took place. From Makwane the club resettled in Phuthadithjaba, the hub of Qwa-Qwas`s economy.
FROM MAKWANE COMPUTER STARS TO FREE STATE STARS
One of the recommendations in the club’s new sponsorship deal was that the club name be changed. From Makwane Computer Stars the club took a new name, and became known as Fairways Stars. From here onwards it was all systems go, as the club grew in stature and popularity not only in Phuthadithjaba but all over Qwa Qwa.It was then on the club administrators to acknowledge this massive increase in support by fans in the rest of Qwa Qwa.It was then decided that the club be renamed Qwa Qwa Stars. The people of Qwa-Qwa, being of Basotho origin, bestowed upon the club the slogan “EA LLA KOTO”.
There was no letting up on the club’s drive to be the best in Qwa Qwa and the surrounding areas, and this showed in the ever-growing popularity of the club, now reaching the entire Free State province. Yet a name change became of the essence, and the club went from Qwa Qwa Stars to its current name Free State Stars.
MILESTONES
Within the ranks of the NPSL/PSL, the team has been crowned Champions of the Coca Cola Cup, finalists in the BP Top Eight Cup , and semi-finalists in numerous competitions. The team has produced several international players for South Africa including current Head Coach Steve Komphela,current skipper Kennedy Mweene, current centre-midfielder Mxolisi Gumede, goalkeeper John Tlale amongst others. Other coaches who plied their trade as players at the club are South Africa international coaches Serame Letsoaka(SA U17), Steve Komphela (SA U23). Some of South Africa’s most well known star players were scooped by bigger teams.Examples of these players are Goodman Mazibuko, David Radebe, and Gert Schalkwyk.
CLUB HONORS
- Baymed Cup Winners 2006
- Mvela Golden League Champions 2004/05 & 2006/07
- Second Division Champions 1985
- Coca-Cola Cup Winners 1994
Premier Soccer League record
Club records
- Most appearances: Edward Salomane 299
- Most goals: Bunene Ngaduana 79
- Most capped player: Current skipper Kennedy Mweene 76 (Zambia)
- Most appearances in a season: Themba Sithole 45 (1992)
- Most goals in a season: Bunene Ngaduana 19 (1993)
- Record win: 8-1 v Ikapa Sporting (29/3/08, Nedbank Cup)
- Record loss: 1-7 v Arcadia (31/10/86, NSL)