22 Oct 2014

The head of the African Zone VI Anti-Doping Organisation, Andrew Kamanga, says doping has destroyed careers of a lot of athletes. 

Addressing Township Rollers players in a one-day seminar, Kamanga said Marion Jones and seven time Tour de France winner, Lance Armstrong learnt the hard way after testing positive in doping. He said Armstrong lost his sponsorship because sponsors did not want to be associated with him.

Kamanga urged Township Rollers players to play clean, adding that they should be careful as to what they eat because they might end up consuming products that contain banned substances.  “Do not just go to the pharmacy to buy drinks.” 

He told the players that chances were that they would be tested during cup matches or during the league season. He also emphasised the need to always cooperate with testing officers.

Kamanga said all those who were in the registered pool of “where abouts” should always make it a habit to comply and update their “where abouts” as failing to do so would get them an early warning.

He said doping was equivalent to cheating, and urged players to safeguard both their health and careers by playing fair. Kamanga said their mission was to promote, coordinate and monitor the fight against doping in sport.

Township Rollers chairman, Jagdish Shah said his team’s players were young and could be tempted by their peers.

“If after all this lesson one of you tests positive we will just sympathise, but we won’t be able to help you, and all of you as professional players need to know how to conduct yourself,” he said. The main objective of the workshop was to sensitise players about doping and its repercussions. ENDS