Kaizer Chiefs manager Bobby Motaung believes his side will deliver a sucker punch against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in a friendly game on Friday at the FNB Stadium.
"Every game at Chiefs is associated with pressure so there is no friendly match. We always play for our pride and our fans will want us to continue where we left off," he said in Johannesburg on Monday.
"We know that the second round of the league will be tougher but, as professionals, we are ready starting with the game on Friday."
The German Bundesliga side are in the country for a mid-season summer training camp which also includes a clash against the premier league's University of Pretoria.
Chiefs reached the halfway stage of the league unbeaten after 18 matches, opening an impressive 15-point gap over second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who had a game in hand.
Motaung remained confident that the new year would bring more of the same.
"I guess all the teams would have wished to finish the first round like we did. We were simply outstanding and all credit to the boys and coach who did well," he said.
"We prepared well and that is what we are trying to do for the last leg of the league race".
Amakhosi take on Hoffenheim without their regulars who were with Bafana Bafana in Gabon, ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament which kicks off over the weekend.
Goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo, defender Eric Mathoho, midfielders Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Mandla Masango, and striker Bernard Parker were away doing national duty.
However, Motaung said the return to full fitness of skipper Itumeleng Khune, Thato Moleko and Katlego Mphela would give the German team a run for their money.
Management still had to sit down with the coach to map the way forward for striker Kingston Nkatha, he said, who had signed a contract with SuperSport United without his present club's consent.
"Nkatha played a key role for us in the first half of the season and it is the coach who will give us a directive and take it from there. Of course we are not happy that he went behind our backs to sing with United but we must find a remedy as soon as possible.
"There are a lot of issues to consider before making a decision but he is still a Chiefs player until the end of the season."
New signee David Zulu from Chippa United was expected to make his debut in Chiefs' colours and Motaung said more signings might be on the cards as they tried to bolster their squad ahead of the CAF Champions League.
"We also have the Nedbank Cup and the league to play so it is going to be a challenging year.
"We are hoping to get the ball rolling as soon as the league restarts and ... show our intentions of winning our second league championship in three seasons."
Chiefs kick off year with German friendly
Kaizer Chiefs manager Bobby Motaung believes his side will deliver a sucker punch against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in a friendly game on Friday at the FNB Stadium.
"Every game at Chiefs is associated with pressure so there is no friendly match. We always play for our pride and our fans will want us to continue where we left off," he said in Johannesburg on Monday.
"We know that the second round of the league will be tougher but, as professionals, we are ready starting with the game on Friday."
The German Bundesliga side are in the country for a mid-season summer training camp which also includes a clash against the premier league's University of Pretoria.
Chiefs reached the halfway stage of the league unbeaten after 18 matches, opening an impressive 15-point gap over second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who had a game in hand.
Motaung remained confident that the new year would bring more of the same.
"I guess all the teams would have wished to finish the first round like we did. We were simply outstanding and all credit to the boys and coach who did well," he said.
"We prepared well and that is what we are trying to do for the last leg of the league race".
Amakhosi take on Hoffenheim without their regulars who were with Bafana Bafana in Gabon, ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament which kicks off over the weekend.
Goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo, defender Eric Mathoho, midfielders Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Mandla Masango, and striker Bernard Parker were away doing national duty.
However, Motaung said the return to full fitness of skipper Itumeleng Khune, Thato Moleko and Katlego Mphela would give the German team a run for their money.
Management still had to sit down with the coach to map the way forward for striker Kingston Nkatha, he said, who had signed a contract with SuperSport United without his present club's consent.
"Nkatha played a key role for us in the first half of the season and it is the coach who will give us a directive and take it from there. Of course we are not happy that he went behind our backs to sing with United but we must find a remedy as soon as possible.
"There are a lot of issues to consider before making a decision but he is still a Chiefs player until the end of the season."
New signee David Zulu from Chippa United was expected to make his debut in Chiefs' colours and Motaung said more signings might be on the cards as they tried to bolster their squad ahead of the CAF Champions League.
"We also have the Nedbank Cup and the league to play so it is going to be a challenging year.
"We are hoping to get the ball rolling as soon as the league restarts and ... show our intentions of winning our second league championship in three seasons."
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