In news media it is often discussed how football (soccer) players observe the fast of month of Ramadan even during championship games. Many may hold the opinion that players who fast aren't able to give their 100 percent each game, but in contrary, facts seem to prove just the opposite.

It is well know here in Kosova, that Kushtrim Breznica who plays for FC Hysi observes Ramadan each year. He doesn't brake fast on matchday's either. He was fasting on this years first match against FC KEK, and according to Breznica fasting not only didn't slow him down, fasting helped him score a goal!.

" It's not easy fasting and running during a game of 90 minutes, especially with high temperatures like now. But, it was Allah (God) that made it possible for me to overcome any hurdles with much easiness,"- said Breznica who in previous season's because of fasting had ran into problem's with some of his coaches who didn't approve his fasting.

" I've had coaches before that didn't approve us observing Ramadan and play. When I was asked to choose one or the other I chose not to play and continued fasting. I understand where coaches are coming from, they believe the fasting person can't give top performance. I have my method's of conserving and managing my energy and still give great performance on field. That was the case last Sunday, during game against FC KEK,"- said Breznica who was fasting while playing the Supercup match.

As of some clubs that put pressure on players not to fast, even threatening to take away the startup spot on first team, Emin Baliqi player of Trepca '89 said that whenever someone pressures a person not to fast, it causes that person to stick to fasting even more.

" Some club coaches don't allow players to play if they choose to fast. This forced policy would make me want to fast even more. No one should be able to force someone to brake fast,"- said Baliqi, who didn't fast during Trepca '89 match against Drenica.

" It was to hot and I wasn't able to play and fast. I know I made a huge mistake by not fasting but I honestly couldn't stand the heat. I fasted earlier days during pre-season and friendly games, but this time I just couldn't."- said Baliqi who claims that his club didn't pressure him to brake the fast.

"No, Trepca '89 was real fair with me. Those days that I observed Ramadan during preseason they scheduled games at 10:00 p.m. which was after sundown, and I was able to have Iftar (meal) before playing."

Ramadan brought blessing for another two FC Drita players: Florent Osmani and Petrit Hoti were fasting during the game they won against FC Liria. Osmani was in starting lineup and was replaced with Hoti in second half.

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This article originally apeared on Zeri magazine.
Translated by Shahin Haxhiu