Rugby coach disappointed after doping blow
Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday January 6, 2016 18:00
The two players, Lesedi Cherry and Emmanuel Ntshiwa, tested positive to a banned substance during the qualifiers.
Gabatladiwe told Mmegi Sport yesterday that the outcome of the tests was a blow to the players and the nation.
He said the players were young and had a bright future ahead of them.
Gabatladiwe said the two players had more opportunities of representing the country in international competitions. When asked about the substance that was consumed by Cherry and Ntshiwa, the coach could only say his role was to drill players and not check what they consumed.
He said he was not aware what the two had consumed at the time when the tests were conducted.
Players were aware that doping tests were always done randomly during competitions and they should avoid taking chances.
“I always encourage players to stay away from banned substances. They are not necessary in sport. They should concentrate on their talents and stay away from things that will destroy their future,” he said.
Despite that, Gabatladiwe said he was yet to meet with Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) to discuss the initial findings. He mentioned that the positive results shed a bad light on local sport.
BRU vice president, Tosca Segaise, said he was not in a position to comment on the matter because it was being handled by higher office. He said it was only after getting a go ahead from the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) that he could make a statement.
Meanwhile, Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) chief executive officer, Tuelo Serufho, said they have given all sporting codes a list of banned substances. The substances were also listed on the BNOC website.
He said BNOC held workshops with medical practitioners, including pharmacists, on doping. He said pharmacists must be aware of the medication they should give to athletes.
Serufho said despite that, the responsibility was on the athletes themselves. He added that it would be easier if Botswana had a legislation that criminalised doping.