After witnessing arch rivals Orlando Pirates being handed a football lesson by English Premier League team Manchester United in the Vodacom Challenge on Saturday, Amakhosi left nothing to chance as they were on the training ground in freezing conditions early Sunday morning.

The players went through a thorough tactical session which lasted about two hours and after which coach Ernst Middendorp, who had arrived back in Cape Town after attending the game in Durban opted to give the team some time off on Sunday afternoon.

With a number of players receiving visits from family and friends, others opted to while away the day by catching up on some much needed rest. Taking into account that the players have gone through a couple of days of intensive training and needed some time off to unwind and relax.

A group of players lead by striker Shaun Bartlett and goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez headed straight for the nearest golf course where they competed as a four ball over nine holes. Some of the players visited a nearby Cheetah enclosure.

The surprise of the afternoon was left for goalkeeper Emile Baron who for once was caught stranded between the sticks as his partner Melanie Becker accompanied by their nine month old son Mikhail, paid him a visit.

Baron presently nursing an injury, was pleasantly surprised by his two unexpected guests adding “this is totally unexpected but I am more than happy to see Melanie and Mikhail. During a season, one spends so much time away from home and anytime spent with the family is valuable time”.

Amakhosi will be back at work on Monday morning when they will head to the Newlands Rugby Stadium to conduct a training session, to familiarize themselves with the pitch where they will be taking on the Red Devils on Tuesday.

Manchester United will train on the pitch first and will then be followed by Chiefs. Amakhosi will train for a second time on Monday afternoon. The session will take place at the site where they have trained over the last couple of days in Stellenbosch.