Professional football is quite different from the normal armature game that we normally play on hot or rainy Sunday afternoons.
The difference between the two is like day and night, while I would grab a bottle of beer or ice cream at halftime in a Sunday League match, this is not allowed in professional football.
There are three phases that must be obeyed religiously in pro football. If one wants to succeed, they must adhere to; Pre-season, In-season and Off-season.
Pre-season
Here, a team vigorously prepares for the upcoming season, drills, formations and fitness are all sought after here.
During this time, individual body types are assessed and each player is assigned diets for that period.
Frank ‘Furo’ Ouna is one of the most experienced football coaches in the country. He also conducts physical training exercises across many places.
Having coached at high levels, he knows what it takes for a footballer to keep in shape for the whole calendar.
The gaffer has managed among many other clubs, Gor Mahia, Wazito FC, Nakumatt and KCB. He at one time was an assistant coach to the national men's football team, Harambee Stars.
Through his vast experience, Furo shares his knowledge which he hopes will go a long way to helping current and upcoming footballers.
During pre-season he says, the body needs rhythm and this can only be gotten by doing the right things at the right time.
“Initially depending on individual players body types it is a heavy diet that is recommended. Plenty of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins plus supplements.’
“ This is because they (footballers)train as much as three times a day. So they need all the ingredients in plenty. Be careful about fatty players. They may be on a reduced diet even at this phase,” he says.
Pre-seasons take between 4-6 weeks depending on individual team plans. Players are required to face strict diet rules that will enable them to face the season without struggling.
In-Season
This is the competition stage and preparations are not about physical fitness but upcoming matches. Tactics and how to approach upcoming fixtures rule the day here. Diet remains a very important part of this regime.
The Nairobi University alumni, Ouna, says that diet should be regulated here but this is solely dependent on prevailing situations.
“Diet here is regulated daily depending on training and match schedules. Here a daily diet plan is strictly provided.”
On the days that there is heavy training, there is relatively heavy meal. Full of carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins and supplements. This heavy meal is the dinner a day before the match and dinner after the match,” he adds.
“Up to 72 hours after the game, the players can be on a relatively heavy meal because recovery/regeneration is still on,” he quips.
Off-Season
After several months of action, winners will take home the prices, those relegated will sink to lower divisions and some players and coaches will be sacked. What should a pro footballer do here?
Most of the time, they go for holidays. However, they are supposed to keep their bodies in shape, you will not be forgiven for being unfit, Furo says.
“Here, the footballer still keeps fit. Preferably doing non football related Sports. Say swimming and gym and jogging. The focus here is super dieting. To avoid weight gain. Therefore they are on a regulated balanced diet provided by the teams. Less carbs, less proteins, plenty of vitamins,” he concludes.