Praying before a match is a fine thing to do. However in many cases it is just a show, something they do to look cool. Several times in football games the same people who would be talking trash and cussing you out before the play would be praying after they scored or made a tackle. several times in wrestling the same kids who are lookin for stuff to steal between matches are praying when they put there leg bands on. Were everyone can see them. It says somewere in Mathew i beleave that when you pray in front of men you have receaved your reward in full. But the prayers that are said in secret are heard by the Father and he rewards them. or something to that effect. thats why i pray in the showers before a match or game.