With two crucial games left for the year Amakhosi coach Ernst Middendorp offered a wry smile on Friday morning after he had put his team, through a tough training session in the heat of the Johannesburg sun.

The reason for the Chiefs coach's optimism was the return to form in training of Chiefs dynamic midfielder Gert Schalkwyk, who had been out of action since the passing away of his father Louis Schalkwyk in Gert’s birth town of Klerksdorp in the North West Province.

Louis Schalkwyk, who passed away in November shared the same birthday with his football-playing son Gert Schalkwyk, as the elder Schalkwyk was born on the 9th April 1948. Gert who turned 24 in April of this year was born on the 9th April 1982, and had always praised his father for guiding him along in his successful career as a footballer from junior ranks to the professional footballer that he is today. .

As Gert returned to training just over a week ago he was not fully match fit for Chiefs assignments against Amazulu and Orlando Pirates, as he had not trained in almost two weeks as he took care of his late fathers funeral arrangements. Although having to come to terms with the loss of his father has not been an easy task, Gert is thankful of the support lent to him by his teammates.

“The last couple of weeks have been tough on me and getting over the loss of my father was never going to be easy, I must thank all my team mates and every one else at the club for getting me out of this very challenging period,” added Schalkwyk. .

Gert believes that having taken enough time off to over come the grieve and sorrow of his fathers passing away, has allowed for him to return to training more focused and at the moment he has one thing on his mind. As he said, "after training on Thursday I just felt a whole lot better, I have not felt this way in the past couple of weeks and I do feel that I have my fitness and sharpness back".

About his chances of being added to the line up for Sunday’s game against Maritzburg United he said, “the team has been doing well and with me being out for a while I have had to work extra hours in order to get to the same standard as the rest of the guys. I also do believe that the fruits of my labour will be if not a starting berth than at the least a substitute appearance on Sunday, I am itching to get out into the field of play and want to help the team win the game and get the three points."

Gert believes that his achievements on the field of play will help keep alive the memory of his father, “every boy begins kicking a football in his back yard and for me it was no different my father was my first team mate and coach. The best way for me to keep up his good name is by being successful in the trade which he taught me, and I hope to begin this weekend against Maritzburg United” concluded Gert.

Amakhosi coach Ernst Middendorp will be glad to have Gert available for selection in order to open up his options in midfield, having an on form Gert Schalkwyk, along with the likes of Tinashe Nengomasha, Gerald Sibeko, Thabo Mooki, Arthur Zwane and Siyabonga Nkosi to choose from. Is a problem the Chiefs coach would rather have instead of having to deal with injury related problems. .