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Kaizer Chiefs striker and observant Muslim Samir Nurkovic has given insight into how he has adapted his training schedule during the holy month of Ramadan.
Serbian-born Nurkovic and South African defender Yagan Sasman are the two members in the Amakhosi squad who are practising Muslims and who are observing Ramadan, which began towards the end of April.
And Nurkovic has given some indication as to how he is keeping in shape during the Holy Month.
"I am constantly in contact with the coach, trainers and the club doctors. They have guided me on how to approach training as well as what my diet needs to be," Nurkovic told the Chiefs' website.
"I normally have breakfast at around 04:00 and begin the fast just after 05:00. Until Monday we had a 10:00 video training session, but with the change in regulations, I jog around at 07:30 for half an hour, train and then get some rest.
"Here (in South Africa) the fast finishes fairly early, so just after 17:00 I have dinner and relax for a while. Because of all this, the training does not take a real toll on me as it is also not hot, and the days are not too long."
Chiefs Doctor Mohammed Moosajee says it is vital for those fasting to take in enough fruits and vegetables so as to replenish their vitamins and minerals.
"Generally, our training is low intensity in the morning and prior to them breaking the fast. They train again at a higher intensity and burn a lot of calories," Moosajee said.
"So, when they do break their fast, they need to take in the fuel so as to replenish whatever they have lost to cover up for the fast and exercise."
Moosajee also said that Nurkovic and Sasman had to be managed differently - each according to their specific needs.
"If we look at our two players, we have had to individualise our plans for them. Yagan is used to current fasting in the South African conditions," the club doctor said.
"While Samir comes from a different environment where the food is different and also the weather conditions differ. The plan for each player is tailored for them."
- TEAMtalk media
