The Amakhosi were back on the training ground Monday morning, in warm and dry conditions, as they began their build up to this coming weekend’s MTN8 Final against the clubs historical foes Orlando Pirates on Saturday evening in Johannesburg under the watchful gaze of coach Vladimir Vermezovic.

The Serbian mentor began his session, which was open to the media, by allowing his players to engage in a rugby match, at the conclusion of the session he spoke to kaizerchiefs.com.

“We had the day off on Sunday and it was the first training back, so we wanted to do something different.”

According to Vermezovic the Amakhosi’s planning for the Cup Final began a long time ago. “We prepared for these types of games from the beginning of the pre-season. This game is not so different to other games that we have to play in.

"We will be using this time as preparation for our other games. A few days after the final we face Ajax in a league game and Pirates again after that. We have a big week ahead of us against serious opposition so we need to be ready not just for the final but for all three games

Even though his team faces the defending league champions twice in the next ten days, and with Ajax also on the bill, Vermezovic does not feel that it will be a defining week by any means for the Amakhosi.

“I do not think that this upcoming week will define the rest of our season. These are important matches but we must look at them differently. The Cup final against Pirates will be completely different to the league game.

"After the final there is the opportunity to regroup and ensure that we can also be successful in the league matches.”

While the Chiefs coach did not have six of his players for Monday’s training session as they were away this past weekend, busy participating in international matches, he is happy to have them back on Tuesday.

He did confirm to kaizerchiefs.com that there are question marks over the availability of Siphiwe Tshabalala for the final, as Shabba is said to have picked up an injury on duty for Bafana Bafana against Niger in an Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying game on Sunday.

Vermezovic said, “I am waiting to see the condition of the players who were away on international duty. I heard that Siphiwe is injured and that he will be doubtful for the cup final. We will have a clearer picture on Tuesday as to the extent or seriousness of his injury.”