“We like to play attacking football,” says 1899 Hoffenheim coach Markus Gisdol. “We also want to have a quick transition game from the back going forward. This has to be done with precision and at high speed.” The German Bundesliga side will face Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium on Friday night, 16 January (kick-off at 19:30).

The Hoffenheim coach is known to favour soccer played at a high tempo, including pushing the gas pedal at the right moment. “Tempo, tempo, tempo” is Gisdol’s motto. The German club is one of the most attractive Bundesliga sides to watch at the moment.

“At full speed with brains.” That’s how the German soccer magazine Kicker once described Hoffenheim’s style of play.

Hoffenheim are presently in seventh position at the Bundesliga log, close to a position to qualify for the prestigious Uefa Champions League.

Gisdol, however, prefers to moderate Hoffenheim’s immediate goals: “We are targeting something between the eighth and twelfth position.”

The coach does stress the importance of Friday’s match against the Amakhosi. The Germans take nothing for granted and have already watched tapes of Chiefs matches.

“Kaizer Chiefs are the Bayern Munich of South Africa,” enthuses Gisdol. “They are the big power house of South African football.”

It will be Chiefs’ first test in 2015. With the mix of playing styles between the Germans and the South Africans, this promises to be an enthralling match.

Match tickets are available from Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers outlets nationwide. The cost per ticket is R40 for adults and R10 for children. Secure parking tickets are available for R20.