Chippa United head coach Brandon Truter is under no illusions about the challenge awaiting his side as they prepare to return to Betway Premiership soccer action against Kruger United following a three-week break.

The Gqeberha side went into the break on the back of a three-pointer after winning their first league match of the season by beating TS Galaxy 1-0 away.

Truter will be hoping his troops continue with that winning momentum when they get back into action at the Buffalo City Stadium in KuGompo City on Saturday (3.30pm).

The Chilli Boys will be eager to make their home advantage count against a Kruger side who, despite struggling for position on the log, possess the energy, determination and experience to make life difficult for their opponents.

Truter expects a fiercely contested encounter, warning that The Village Boy's high-intensity approach and aggressive pressing game will demand concentration and composure from his players.

“They are a team who are definitely hungry for points," Truter said.

"We expect them to come and fight and play on the front foot because of their game model. They are a high-pressing team.

“Our focus is on bypassing their press and eliminating mistakes, particularly at the back.

"Those are the threats Kruger pose, but their approach could also be their downfall if we manage to exploit the spaces they leave behind."

The three-week interruption has added another dimension to Chippa’s preparations, with the return to competitive soccer coming at a crucial stage of the campaign.

With valuable league points at stake, the coach knows his team cannot afford to ease back into the competition, particularly with several fixtures against teams around them in the league standings looming.

Truter is aware of the importance of collecting maximum points against direct rivals, with the upcoming fixture against Kruger followed by another significant test against Stellenbosch.

“We are playing a lot of teams who are around us at the moment, and a win is absolutely vital, especially against teams in our position.

"We want to create some distance between ourselves and move further away from that uncomfortable zone.

“Kruger has some very seasoned, experienced players in the squad who can hurt us at any moment.

"We are mindful of that and need to prepare for all fronts.

“With the supporters behind us and us being the home team, I welcome their support to help us.”

This weekend's fixtures involving SA teams are:

Betway Premiership

Saturday: Chippa United vs Kruger United, 1.30pm; Golden Arrows vs Milford FC, 1.30pm; Sekhukhune United vs Marumo Gallants, 4pm

Sunday: Siwelele FC vs Polokwane City, 1.30pm

CAF Champions League, second preliminary round, first leg

Saturday: African Stars vs Orlando Pirates, 3pm

Sunday: Wiliete vs Mamelodi Sundowns, 4pm

CAF Confederation Cup, second preliminary round, first leg

Saturday: Red Arrows vs Kaizer Chiefs, 2pm