Building a mental strength, a growing awareness with team-mates and stronger bonds with club staff, players observing Ramadan this month are ensuring that they have all the necessary support systems in place. PFA Scotland spoke to two players who are grateful for the ongoing support they have received.
Malik Zaid and Tete Yengi are two of only a few players in Scotland who are practicing Muslims and observing Ramadan across the month of March.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. This includes abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs, focusing on spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate. The fast is a central aspect of Ramadan, culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
Both players highlighted how the curiosity of their team-mates is something they’ve been thankful for this month, with the belief that awareness around the practice is moving forward positively.
Zaid, who plays for Hibernian and on loan to Edinburgh City, touched on how he is always keen to spread the message around the purpose of Ramadan and the community around it.
“I love when my team-mates ask me about Ramadan” said Zaid, “I think it shows they are interested, and I love being able to educate them a little bit around it.”
Livingston striker, Yengi, echoed a similar sentiment, highlighting that his team-mates are continually learning more about what he is going through.
“The boys have a new question for me everyday” he said, “I like to express my beliefs, and I couldn’t ask for a better group of boys to support me through this month.”
The multi-cultural nature of football means that clubs are aware of the support systems that some players may require. Zaid, who is a full-time player on loan at a part-time club, underlines that both his parent club and loan club are making amendments to allow him to perform during Ramadan.
“I have a different report time when I’m in at Hibs. Because I’m up during the night to break my fast, this really helps. Mornings can be a challenge. Even here at City, the coaches are really mindful of the work I’m putting in. It makes me feel good.”
The City winger, who says that he feels ‘unique’, highlighted how despite fasting, he often feels like he is performing better during Ramadan.
“I always feel like I’ve played my best football during Ramadan. It might just be that mental strength you need and how grateful you feel for what you have.”
The 20 year-old followed that comment up with a goal at the weekend, in a crucial win for City at home to East Fife.
Yengi, 24, also mentioned how Ramadan can help him perform as he feels the power of community.
“We build a mental strength so it can often feel like you’ve got an edge on the pitch. We have that inner belief that we can give everything we have.”
The Australian underlined the significance of creating an understanding between players and staff during the month of Ramadan, something he feels is important to highlight for younger Muslim players.
“The club as a whole is really understanding. I work closely with the physio and chef to ensure I’m eating the right things and providing me with stuff like electrolytes to keep me hydrated throughout the day. I would always tell players to speak to their club, their coach, backroom staff to ensure everyone is clear on what’s required, as in my experience they are always a huge help.”
You can learn more about support service available to players through the union here, and you can watch the full video interviews with Malik and Tete here.
