It is still chilly and the sun is shyly making its way into Camp Joliu in Barcelona, Spain. Talanta Hela U19 girls’ midfielder Sunira Manda Were is waved down by an opponent during training and urged to take a desperately needed drink break.She then runs off the ground, grabs a bottle, and sprays out a mouthful of water. She swishes it around like mouthwash and then spits it out onto the side of the field. She has been playing for almost several hours now but is not allowed to drink water.This year Ramadan – the holiest month in the Islamic calendar – coincided with the Talanta Hela U19’s team to Spain. The team competed in the Costa Daurada Cup where the boys carried the day while the girls claimed second place.During the Ramadan period across the world, Muslims abstain from drinking and eating in a fast that lasts from dawn to dusk. It started on Sunday 10 March 10, and runs through to Tuesday 19 April. Moi Girls’ High School duo share on Spanish adventureFor many Muslims, the fast forces them to withdraw from sport as they struggle to perform on empty stomachs and with dry mouths. Others however are motivated to try to balance their faith with their desire to continue to play sports throughout the holy month.Sunira says that despite the struggles of playing whilst fasting, staying active in Ramadan helps her feel productive and allows her to get the most out of a month centered on discipline.However, with breakfast times dictated by hotel schedules, the task of waking up before dawn to partake in sahoor, the pre-fast meal crucial for sustaining energy throughout the day becomes difficult.Faced with this unforeseen hurdle, the prodigy grapples with the disappointment of not being able to observe Ramadan in the manner she desires. Despite that, her faith remains resolute.“I was advised to skip Ramadhan when it is impossible. I skipped some days but I will make it up once I get back to Kenya,” she told Mozzart Sport.The Spanish cuisine also poses a challenge to her. According to research, the people of Spain consume more pork and ham per capita than any other people on the face of the earth. At the same time, pig is considered an unclean animal in religions like Judaism and Islam, and Sunira finds herself in a difficult situation. She is forced to eat vegetables, and other carbohydrates available.The youngster who has been drafted into the national ladies’ U20 team will be looking to punch above weight as she ascends the ladder of being a professional player.“Because of the Talanta Hela initiative, I have come to Spain and I received a call-up to join the national U20 team. It is a dream come true for me. I want to advice other young people to put their best foot forward in training and always pray to God. They will eventually make it,” she concluded.
