Ice baths, jacuzzies and data: How Tinkler and CT City manage hectic PSL fixture schedule

It has been known since July 2018 that the leading football body, FIFA, scheduled the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to kick off in November through to December instead of its usual June to July slot.

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The switch was due to weather concerns as a later date in the year provides cooler temperatures for a tournament in the Middle East's first-ever hosted World Cup. 

That, however, meant a tighter domestic football schedule for all leagues around the globe as no competitions are allowed to be running during the World Cup, per FIFA rules.

Back home in South Africa, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) has had the excruciating task of fiddling with dates and kick-off times that will work for all teams. The league has four competitions - DStv Premiership, MTN8, Carling Black Label Knockout and the Nedbank Cup.

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Additionally, four top-flight teams - Mamelodi Sundowns, Cape Town City, Royal AM and Marumo Gallants - will participate in Africa's top club competitions: CAF Champions League and CAF Confederations Cup.

Taking all that into account, it further gives coaches headaches on how to approach their season tactically.

City boss Eric Tinkler revealed that he is relying on technology, more specifically data and analytics, to go about his team's season.

"What's happened now immediately after the game, we put them into the ice baths," he told reporters after City's 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch at Cape Town Stadium over the weekend.

"We're quite privileged here. We've got jacuzzies. So, a bit of hot and cold that they do. Tomorrow morning we come in and do a recovery session, and you try to rest them as much