LOG leaders Chippa United want automatic promotion to the Absa Premiership to avoid the nightmare of participating in the National First Division play-offs, which are always marked by controversy.

This is according to United chairman Chippa Mpengesi ahead of his club's away trip to struggling Roses United in Botshabelo on Sunday at 3.30pm.

The Chilli Boyz go into this game in high spirits following an emphatic 4-1 victory over Santos on Wednesday.

Roses, who have returned to Free State from Gauteng after a dispute over ownership of the club, were defeated 2-0 by Jomo Cosmos in their last game. "Everything is going according to plan, I told my players we need to maintain the form so that we finish the season still on top of the log," said Mpengesi.

"We participated in the promotional play-offs in the past two consecutive seasons and it's not good for anybody's blood pressure. I don't want that nightmare again."

Mpengesi is happy with the changes introduced by coach Vladislav Heric, who joined the club three weeks ago after the departure of Ian Palmer.

United are guided by former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Simon Gopane, who said: "Chippa are the team of the moment, but they will find us ready. We are playing at home, so there is no way we will disappoint our fans."