Manchester City assistant coach Brian Kidd says that their run out against AmaZulu was good for their fitness, brushing off their 2-1 loss to the South Africa side.

Kidd was in charge after coach Manuel Pellegrini had to jet off to Chile on urgent family business, but the assistant manager went on to watch his side fall to a second straight defeat in South Africa.

"I thought it was an excellent workout for us again, like it was with SuperSport. And it's getting our fitness levels back up again. Players tonight got extra minutes, which was important for us. It's been two very, very good games for us," he said.

"It's not been two weeks yet since we've been back. It's been a gradual process, with the philosophies and the principles that the boss is trying to instil, but there were a lot of good signs as well. And it was an excellent workout."

Asked him their amount of chances was a concern, he added, "I think we've only got one recognised forward in Edin Dzeko. Sergio (Aguero) has just come back, and he needs a week under his belt, and there's young Alex Nimely. Really we are short of fire power, but we've got Aguero coming back and hopefully some signings."

Regarding their tour of the country, he continued, "We always do (enjoy our stay in South Africa). The people have been wonderful, the facilities have been tremendous. The welcome that we received from the South African people has been wonderful. On Mr Mandela's Birthday, we just wish him health, happiness, him and his family. It's been a privilege and an honour to take part."