NSL clubs break camp as the Covid-19 pandemic bites

National Super League clubs are grappling with strategies that will keep their players fit as they stay away from the pitch following the government’s directive that halted all sporting activities owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

With many of them financially strained, they have opted to break camp in a bid to avoid further costs as players face an uncertain future.

Shabana team manager Elijah Sani says they will give training programs to their players while they are away awaiting the league’s resumption.

“We did not go through last years’ experience where we had to sustain players in the camp even though the league was shut.

“We hope they will keep fit but we will supplement their endeavors with programs on their nutrition and physical exercises that will help them maintain shape.”

The glamour boys occupied the tenth position on the log before the league was halted.

Elsewhere fifth-placed Fortune Sacco interim manager Godwin Irungu says the sudden break with hurt many teams’ prospects as many players will be away with no established approach of monitoring their fitness.

He reckons many players will struggle mentally and financially as many of them wholly relied on their salaries.

“It is a huge blow to many players. Being away from camp is risky because at the moment we cannot pretend that we can monitor every player’s actions.

“Also, many of them depend on their salaries meaning things will only get tougher for them.”

Football Club Talanta under the tutelage of seasoned tactician Ken Kenyatta is at the apex of the log with 32 points and hot on their heels are Kenya Police with a similar points tally but an inferior goal difference after 17 rounds of play.

Murang’a SEAL, Sony Sugar, and Mt Kenya United will use the break to rethink their strategies with the hope of turning around their fortunes when the league will resume as they are all rocked in a relegation dog-fight.