Juggling the game and religion during Ramadan

During the month of Ramadan, Muslim footballers fast from sunrise until sunset. The same goes for players in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Betway Premiership champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, have three in their ranks in Peter Shalulile, Tashreeq Matthews, and Keanu Cupido.

Their coach, Miguel Cardoso, is also experienced in training players having coached ES Tunis in Tunisia and says that in his experience, the fast does not affect the players negatively.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Cardoso recalled his experience in the North African country.

“From my experience last year, I didn’t felt that the team suffered during Ramadan, so that implies a big discipline from the players to cope with that challenges. Depending on the hour of the matches it can be more tricky,” he explained.

Ramadan requires Muslims to fast from sunrise until sunset, making it extra difficult for athletes, especially at a club like Sundowns with their stacked schedule, which sees them play almost every two days.

Cardoso says they’ve had to create special programmes for the players who observe the month to rest and recover.

“Usually what we have to do is that we have to adjust the schedule so that they follow their own routine, some meetings we have to have individually with those players.”

Sundowns’ next game is on Saturday night when they take on Sekhukhune United in the quarterfinals of the Nedbank Cup in Atteridgeville. Written by Ntsako Mkhari