Reabetjoe Mokoko, a vibrant team dietician for Mamelodi Sundowns FC, opened up about the players diet during a recent episode of the King David Studio Podcast.
Her passion for food and nutrition goes beyond cooking; she is pedantic about “how it is cooked, how it is eaten, and how much of it is eaten.”
She holds three degrees from Wits University, and her business partner oversees her side business while she works her magic in the Sundowns kitchen.
WHAT DO MAMELODI SUNDOWNS PLAYERS EAT?
Speaking on preparation methods, Reabetjoe explained the importance of a versatile menu that caters to the players different tastes.
She broke down the menu into categories, outlining what players generally eat.
Match Day Minus One: On the day before the big match, players start carb-loading with breakfast that includes starches like breakfast potatoes, hash browns, and waffles.
For lunch, players continue to enjoy a wide range of carbs, such as spaghetti, rice, burger rolls, pizza, and fruits.
Pre-Match: This phase includes a fueling station stocked with carbs like dried nuts, fruits, and sweets to boost the players energy before the game. Through a partnership with Biogen, players also refuel with high-quality supplements during halftime.
Recovery Hour: Immediately after the game, Rea personally hands out the Recovery Smoothies that help with healing and recovery.
The Golden Hour: During this final phase, players indulge in what Reabetjoe refers to as “real food.”
THIS IS HOW REABETJOE BAGGED A JOB AT SUNDOWNS
Reabetjoe’s path to joining Sundowns was carved by divine intervention, as she had aspired to venture into the world of football.
That dream came true when she met coach Rhulani Mokwena on The Braai Show (SABC 1), where she worked as a food stylist.
During their chat, Rhulani shared his concerns about the nutrition at Sundowns and said he needed someone like her to raise it to the best level.
RADICAL CHANGES YIELD POSITIVE RESULTS
Reabetjoe made radical changes in the Sundowns kitchen, starting with the breakfast menu. She replaced processed staples such as Russians with healthier alternatives such as mince, chicken strips, beef patties, and chicken livers.
This new diet struck a chord with the players, leading to weight loss and improved energy and performance.