KUALA LUMPUR: Training during Ramadan poses challenges, but M-League coaches must navigate them as they gear up for the upcoming season, which kicks off in May.
Despite fasting, head coaches are pushing for heightened intensity to ensure players are ready for the demanding season ahead.
Newly appointed Selangor coach Nidzam Jamil faces the task of balancing fitness targets with the physical condition of Muslim players while maintaining performance levels for non-fasting ones.
"Ramadan can be tricky because Muslim players typically sleep around 10pm or 11pm, but during Ramadan, they're training on the pitch," said Nidzam.
"Non-Muslim players, including imports like Ronnie Fernandez, are also adjusting to the new schedule, training late into the evening."
Nidzam emphasises the importance of players' fitness ahead of the league's opening game by maintaining training intensity during Ramadan.
"Our training intensity remains consistent," he said.
"We break fast at 7:30pm, allowing players time for digestible food and drinks advised by our nutritionist. The goal is to ensure everyone stays healthy, aiming for a fit squad of 25 players by match day."
Training sessions during Ramadan are scheduled at night due to most players being Muslim, avoiding daytime training on empty stomachs.
The Red Giants typically train at 10pm for about an hour and a half during Ramadan.
Nidzam was handed the coaching job following the departure of Tan Cheng Hoe, who is now the coach of Thai club, Police Tero. — BERNAMA