WILL FASTING ALGERS CHOW ‘BIRDS’?

MBABANE – Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islamic faith, could anchor Mbabane Swallows hopes against visiting MC Alger of Algeria tomorrow.

The CAF Confederation Cup Group B tie is slated for 3pm at Somhlolo National Stadium, and it will be exactly 21 hours after the MC Alger player last meal. This year’s month- long fasting for all Islams commenced on Saturday May 27, and will be observed until Saturday June 24. During the period, Muslims fast by not eating or drinking between sunrise and sunset. It is a month where they celebrate the inception of the Quran, their revered book equivalent to the Bible, to founder of the faith Prophet Mohammad who was born Sallallahu Alayhi Wa’Sallam.

The fasting is obligatory to all Islams as long as they are mentally and physically sound and fit. MC Alger comes from Algeria, which is an Islamic State and most of the players are practising Islam.
On Tuesday when the team arrived, coach Kamel Mouassa confirmed that the game coincided with Ramadan and alluded to the fact that arriving three days before the game was part of their strategy because normally, they would have arrived earlier.

National Football Association of Swaziland NFAS Head of Medical Committee, Comfort Shongwe, said the obtaining Ramadan scenario presented the home team with huge advantage over their opponents.
He said the fact that the game will be played 21 hours after their last meal and only three hours before their next meal meant that they would be operating on limited energy.
“Physically, they will be drained especially because even if they do take fluids, they are devoid of any form of energy as per their religion. This means they could struggle to match their opponents if the match is played at higher intensity,” he said.

However, he did warn though that given MC Algers’ experience in the game, it was possible that they could physically adapt to the demands of the game.
“Their bodies might have adapted because this is an annual practise and to their advantage it usually falls in the middle of their football season. The difference is that when playing at home they make sure to put their games three or four hours after 6pm,” he said.

Mbabane Swallows coach Thabo Koki Vilakati also downplayed the Ramadan advantage, saying that they would be naive to think that it would give them any advantage.

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