"We take on one of the top Bundesliga teams," confirms Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter ahead of the much awaited friendly tonight at the FNB Stadium (kick-off at 19:30).

"The players have not been too lazy during the festive period," continuous Baxter. "Most have followed their prescribed programme to keep fit."

Chiefs are current runaway PSL log leaders and have been dishing out one fine performance after another this season.

"We are facing more of a mental than physical challenge,” states Baxter about the players’ fitness. “Because, above all, we have to care that we are sharp when the league resumes in February.”

Hoffenheim are lying seventh on the Bundesliga log, two points adrift of third position.

Baxter says about the clash against the classy German side: "Hoffenheim have a very good squad full of quality players. We miss some of our guys due to the Africa Cup of Nations, but the lads who are here will step up to the challenge."

"The match will test the players’ mental strength, especially at this stage of the season," adds the Chiefs coach. "They will have to take-up the challenge of being stretched in the process."

Baxter furthermore confirms that his assistant Doctor Khumalo will be in charge on Friday night: "As much as we look at continuously improving the players, we want to do the same with the development of coaches."

"Doc will take charge of the pre-match briefing and the match itself. I was supposed to travel to Japan, but decided not to go due to a chest infection. However, we decided to stand by our earlier decision to have Doc being the coach for the match. But I might come to the bench in the second half to assist.”

"Most important is that the players must show that they are on the right track after the break. We must show clear intentions of how we want to improve going forward.”

"Results are important, but our priority is the quality of our performance against any team we play, be it against Hoffenheim or another team.”

Baxter concludes: "I hope the fans will come in numbers and witness good football. I am sure our supporters will enjoy watching the different style of football that Hoffenheim plays."

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.