Why Thandani got a four-year ban for doping
FOLLOWING Thandani Ntshumayelo’s four-year drug ban, Tiyani wa ka Mabasa asked Khalid Galant, chief executive of SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport, about the processes that led to the Orlando Pirates midfielder’s sanction. Why such a long ban for Ntshumayelo? Answer: The framework for doping sanctions is determined by the world anti-doping code. Prior to 2015, the framework for sanctions revolved around a starting point of two years. From 2015, this starting point changed to four years, so an athlete can either get four years or more. Q: Since cocaine is not performance enhancing, why the ban? A: The anti-doping code specifically outlines why substances are placed on the list of banned substances and methods in sport. Cocaine is an illicit drug that is banned in sport. The primary reason it is on the list is that it complies with two criteria – harm to the athlete and its use is against the spirit of sport. Q: Can Ntshumayelo appeal? A: Yes, the player has 21 days within which to lodge an appeal to the antidoping appeal board. Should the appeal board find grounds for the appeal, it will be heard. They may uphold the original sanction or come to a different conclusion depending on the evidence submitted. Q: Did both A and B samples come back positive? A: The B-sample confirmed the positive for cocaine in the A-sample. Q: When was the test first done? Thandani was only tested once. Q: How many tests do you do in a football season and how many have come back positive, say in the past year? A: In the 2015/2016 year we performed 253 tests in professional football in SA compared to the 753 in rugby. Football only gave one positive drug test, which was the cocaine result [Ntshumayelo’s].”
Q: Is Drug-Free Sport educating clubs on prohibited substances and do they know where to get this list other than on your organisation’s website?
A: Yes, we have a very good working relationship with the PSL and clubs and have conducted numerous anti-doping sessions with them. The PSL sends out regular notices and circulars to clubs and players on their anti-doping responsibilities.