Siphiwe Tshabalala has stepped up his training as he continues his recovery from a knee injury, although the Kaizer Chiefs star would not put a date on his return.

The playmaker has been sidelined since picking up the injury in the final pre-season friendly win over Chippa United.

Shabba has had to be content with watching Chiefs’ last two matches from the sidelines as Amakhosi lost to Orlando Pirates in the Carling Black Label Cup before bouncing back to beat Mpumalanga Black Aces 4-0 in an MTN8 quarter-final clash on Sunday.

“I have started with light training and the progress is good,” said Tshabalala. “I am definitely looking forward to returning to training with the team in good time.

“Missing the two matches that the team has played has not been easy. As a professional you long to be on the pitch helping your team mates to achieve great things.”

So how does he cope with injury and what does a day in the life of a player recovering from injury look like?

“Usually one has a program depending on the injury you have,” revealed Shabba. “You will then train according to that program. I spend time with the physiotherapist while the team trains. I then will have light training sessions that include jogging.

“I am still a team player and part of the squad. So I still go to the matches to support my team mates when they play. We are a unit through the best and the worst times.”