Players abuse dagga, energy drinks
Mqondisi Dube | Thursday April 18, 2019 12:45
Mmegi Sport is reliably informed that there is rampant use of dagga and some energy drinks amongst players, which contain banned substances. “We hear that players smoke dagga before they get into the field of play. Others consume energy drinks. Some of these substances are dangerous and the health of players is gravely at risk,” a source said.
It is said only a few players have undergone doping tests, the number is low as 10 players, yet the expectation is that there should be regular screening, as per FIFA anti-doping rules.
“There are few players who have been tested, due to resource constraints. The expectation is that there is regular testing as well as education and awareness on the dangers of doping to the players’ health,” the source said.
Reports indicate that the Africa Zone VI Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO) office has made efforts to engage the Botswana Football Association (BFA) on the matter, with little progress.
RADO chairperson, Dr Nicholas Nyonga told Mmegi Sport that engagement over anti-doping is ongoing. “The RADO works through the designated Board Member for Botswana as well as the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) in the implementation of programs,” he said. “Taking into account the popularity of the game of football in the country, Africa Zone VI RADO will continue to engage relevant authorities and provide assistance for the promotion of clean football and protection of the health of football players.”Nyonga said limited testing has meant that they cannot tell which banned substances are common among players.
He however, said it has been established that energy drinks and nutritional supplements pose a risk to athletes as their production and distribution is largely unregulated.
Nyonga therefore, called on the soccer authorities to ensure a rigorous testing programme.
“In this connection, it is important that the BFA and BPL in consultation with the BNOC, also implement a rigorous doping control test programme for both out-of-competition and in-competition settings. The Africa Zone VI RADO is available to assist in coordinating these tests,” he said. “These tests will help discover what substances and methods that are on Prohibited List are being consumed or utilised by the players. The Prohibited List is updated every year by WADA and a new list comes into effect every 1st January each year.”
BFA marketing and public relations officer, Tumo Mpatane said doping agencies are free to test players as and when necessary. He said the BFA works with different bodies on anti-doping issues and are always available when tests need to be conducted. Botswana Premier League chief executive officer, Thabo Ntshinogang said RADO and not BPL office, were responsible for testing players.
“If they make a request to test our players, we normally allow them to go ahead and conduct such tests. Players are aware some substances that are banned but because the list keeps changing, it is important that RADO conducts regular workshops for clubs to sensitise players,” Ntshinogang said. Footballers Union of Botswana (FUB) secretary general, Kgosana Masaseng said they had approached the BFA about the need to keep the sport “clean”. He said they have not received any reports about the abuse of dagga and energy drinks. “As a union, we have not received such reports. However, from what we have gathered a good number of players are abusing alcohol during their off-field times. We are very serious about anti-doping that we have included it in our newly approved standard contract. We strongly condemn the use of substances on the list of prohibited substances,” Masaseng said.