The players had just returned from training at a Sandton gym where they went through an hour of intense cycling for endurance. The endurance exercise was followed up by another tough session of aerobics. This, the coach said, was to help the players focus during the game.

The visit to Matsau, who broke his shin bone in Iran while playing for the SA invitation side, was characterised by moments of humour as the players tried to cheer up Matsau, who has been reading the latest edition of Car Magazine.

"Things will work out fine," said team manager Bobby Motaung. "Football is like driving a car, sometimes you do have accidents and that's part of the game."

The session also included a short prayer for Matsau’s speedy recovery. He is expected to be released in the next few days and will be under the care of Kaizer Chiefs doctors.

Team physiotherapist David Milner said the player could be back in action towards the end of the season.