Banned Mavuta apologises
NATIONAL team cricketer Brandon Mavuta has apologised after his ban for breaching anti-doping rules.
The talented leg-spinner, together with Chevrons allrounder Wesley Madhevere, were in January banned by the Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) from all cricket activities for four months and fined half of their monthly earnings after they tested positive for a banned recreational drug in an out — of — competition case during an inhouse dope test in December.
The two were ordered to train under the ZC High Performance Programme headed by former national team coach Steve Mangongo while also undergoing rehabilitation overseen by the association's medical team.
Mavuta, a former U19 captain, says he regrets his actions and has since apologised for his misdemeanours.
“I’m looking forward to joining the High-Performance programme to make sure I come back stronger,” Mavuta posted on micro-blogging site X, formerly Twitter.
“I sincerely apologise to Zimbabwe Cricket and our supporters and aim to pay you back with my efforts.”
Mangongo has backed Mavuta and Madhevere to come back stronger from this setback.
“These two players are vital cogs in Zimbabwe Cricket. It’s great to see that he has publicly acknowledged his misdemeanour. I believe he has realised his moment of madness by engaging in such issues and he is prepared to reform,” Mangongo told NewsDay Sport yesterday.
“The zero tolerance by ZC on the use of banned substances is the way to go. Once players know that there are robust systems in place, then they shall not dare to engage.”
Mangongo said it was not going to be a difficult task to rein in the two players given the cordial relationship that already exists between them.
“I have worked with both Wessy and Mavuta during the vital formative years in their careers. Our rapport is very mutual and based on honesty and tough love. Being in a structured High-Performance Programme, I believe the boys will come out better human beings and better players,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mountaineers top order batsman and Test opener, Kevin Kasuza, awaits his verdict after being suspended for testing positive for a banned recreational drug during an in-house doping test last month. The 30-year-old is also being charged under the ZC employment code of conduct.