The Amakhosi on Wednesday started a twelve-day camp when they jetted out of Johannesburg bound for Cape Town. After arriving in Cape Town, Chiefs make a short journey from Cape Town international airport, North West to picturesque Stellenbosch where they will be based for close to a fortnight.

Prior to the start of the 2006 – 2007 season, Chiefs held a training camp in Stellenbosch and were impressed by the facilities on offer at the famous University Town. The Amakhosi’s past experiences helped sway the decision in favour of a return to the quaint town this time around.

In addition to the training camp Chiefs have penciled in two friendly games, one of which is to be played this Sunday the 13th January, the second game of the tour is scheduled to be played on the 20th January. Along with a tight training regime laid out by the Chiefs coaching staff for the players, they have also included a number of recreational and team building activities for the players.

The Amakhosi are expected to return from Cape Town on the 21st January and coach Muhsin Ertugral is looking at playing two more friendly games in the month of January, once the team returns from Stellenbosch.

Serene Enviroment

Muhsin Ertugral has said that he needed to take his team away from the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg and wants to focus their energy for the next two weeks on preparing for the resumption of league fixtures in February. According to the Chiefs coach there can be no better place than the tranquil surroundings of Stellenbosch.

“We needed to be away from everything and I felt that Stellenbosch, out in the countryside, would be perfect for us. The training facilities are magnificent, the hotel is of a high standard, the scenery around the town and where we are based is perfect for what we are trying to achieve out of the camp. Getting the guys together away from the spotlight will further strengthen the bond within the team”.

Training day

With the Africa Cup of Nations due to start in Ghana shortly it has meant that the PSL has taken an extended break and in order to keep his team 'match sharp', the coach has arranged for them to play two friendly games during their stay in the Western Cape. The first of which takes place this coming Sunday and will be played behind closed doors.

“We will have a game against a Cape Town team from one of the lower divisions” said Ertugral.

“The idea will be for us to gauge the guys' form and fitness. We will use the game to do some experimentation as well”.

A day before The Amakhosi conclude their camp on the 21st January they will play a second friendly game against on the 20th against yet-to-be-confirmed PSL opposition.

“We are hoping to play a second game against a team from the PSL. This match will see us round off the camp and we will come back to Johannesburg the next day. This second game will not be behind closed doors and the fans will be most welcome”.

Down time

While the aim of the camp is to work on his player’s fitness, the Chiefs coach is cautious not to over work his players, and has added a number of recreational training activities to the itinerary for his team.

“When you go out on the road for a lengthy period, the guys need to enjoy themselves as well. Team building is an important component of the camp and as a result we have put in some fun activities on one of the Cape Town beaches as well as a bit of sightseeing”.