Kaizer Chiefs star Khama Billiat admits it is stressful topping the Absa Premiership standings but insists they would rather lead than be a part of the chasing pack.

Amakhosi currently top the league table after picking up 19 points from their opening eight games. However, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits have a two-game advantage heading into the end of the first quarter of the season.

Ernst Middendorp’s charges are on course to win their first Q-Innovation since 2014 under Stuart Baxter, but Wits and Sundowns are both within striking distance. They will require a minimum of four and five points, respectively, from their two games in hand if they are to snatch the first quarter from the Soweto giants.

As Chiefs enter a tough period wherein they face Cape Town City in the Telkom Knockout before taking on defending champions Sundowns in the league, Billiat admits that it is stressful to top the league.

‘It’s stressful, because now we have to stay there … so it requires a lot of hard work, mental strength and to be professional as much as we can,’ said Billiat.

‘We also have to try and win as much games as we can.

‘Whaaaat? Of course, we prefer to be on top. We want to be on top and challenge ourselves to stay there until the season ends,’ said Billiat when asked whether he would rather prefer being among the chasing pack.