Baxter expects mental test

Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter says he is happy with the current fitness levels of his players, and expects Friday's clash against Hoffenheim to be "more of a mental than physical challenge".

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Amakhosi will step up their preparations ahead of the second-half of the Premiership campaign with a friendly against the Bundesliga side at the FNB Stadium this weekend.

And while the Glamour Boys have only just returned from the three-week holiday break, Baxter is happy enough with their fitness and hopes to start building some mental strength ahead of the PSL's resumption in February.

"We take on one of the top Bundesliga teams," Baxter told Chiefs' official website.

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

Looking ahead to the clash, the boss continued: "We are facing more of a mental than physical challenge, because, above all, we have to care that we are sharp when the league resumes in February.

"The match will test the players' mental strength, especially at this stage of the season," added the Chiefs coach.

"They will have to take-up the challenge of being stretched in the process."