“The game against Kaizer Chiefs will be a tough test,” comments 1899 Hoffenheim striker Kevin Volland. “They are a team with a lot of quality players.” The German international is looking forward to the game, which will be played at the FNB Stadium on Friday evening, 16 January (kick-off at 19:30).

Volland is an excellent striker who combines speed with technique and an eye for the goal. The German is not very tall (1.79 metres), but he’s strong. Defenders won’t easily dispossess him from the ball. That’s of course also the reason why Volland has already played a few times for the German world champions, most recently in a match against Gibraltar.

The striker was a key figure during Germany’s campaign to qualify for the European Under-21 Championship finals, scoring six goals in as many matches. Volland even captained Germany’s Under-21s.

His father was also a German international - however, not as a soccer player, but as an ice-hockey player. The Hoffenheim striker himself played some ice-hockey as a youngster too.

The 22-year-old Volland and the Brazilian international Roberto Firmino form the creative force between the midfield and attack. Many of the assists originate from the German international and the Brazilian midfielder.

It is Volland’s first time in South Africa: “It’s a beautiful country, everything is top class.”

What is also top class is the FNB Stadium, where the clash between Chiefs and Hoffenheim will be played. Volland remembers that the stadium – called Soccer City at the time – hosted the 2010 World Cup final. “It will be great to play in this stadium with all the enthusiastic South African soccer fans,” he comments.

About Friday’s match against the Amakhosi, he furthermore adds: “We have been watching some footage. Especially Chiefs’ goalkeeper caught my eye. It will be an interesting game.”

The striker is talking about Brilliant Khuzwayo, who is at present with Bafana Bafana at the Africa Cup of Nations. On Friday evening, normal number one goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune will be back. It will be the first time since his return from injury that Khune will be in goal in an official 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.