Cape Town - TSG 1899 Hoffenheim striker Kevin Volland admits that the encounter against Kaizer Chiefs will be very tough.
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Speaking to Chiefs’ official website, the German international is looking forward to the game, which will be played at the FNB Stadium on Friday evening, January 16.
“The game against Kaizer Chiefs will be a tough test,” said Volland.
“They are a team with a lot of quality players.”
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.
“It will be great to play in this stadium with all the enthusiastic South African soccer fans.
“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.
Kick-off is at 19:30.