Tough medicals for Blackburn Rovers' players
Tough medicals for Rovers' players
Posted: 2010-07-29 13:30
National First Division rookies Blackburn Rovers are determined to make an impact in their debut season and are already putting their players through a stringent medical and fitness assessment programme.
The East London-based side, in conjunction with the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, have roped in a highly specialised group Oxford Striders Athletics Club in East London, who are part of the Eastern Cape Academy of Sport, to assess the players.
According to a report in the Buffalo City's Daily Dispatch, the academy's medical doctors will also assist the team during their NFD campaign. The players underwent medical tests on Monday followed by physical assessments yesterday.
"The medical tests were conducted by a highly trained doctor, who will be able to submit the results once he is done with the analysis; we will compile a report on the physical aspect once we are done," said the academy's manager, Hermann Terblanche.
It is likely the results of the tests will assist the club in deciding who they will retain from the 30 players assessed, when they offer new contracts next week.
Caretaker coach Mondli Funani is pleased with the initiative.
"We are looking to cut down the squad from the 30 players; the test results might help us in our decision-making," said Funani.
"During the season the academy will inform the coaching panel on the players' medical condition so that we don't aggravate ... injuries; also they will help us as coaches to work on players' strengths and weaknesses."
Club owner Dumisani Mncedani was pleased about the help they are receiving from the provincial government.
"I am very happy about this initiative; it is pleasant to see the government lending a hand in our team. This could only ensure we are not going back to the Vodacom League," he said yesterday.
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