By Chris Dlamini
It is high time doping is taken seriously by Eswatini elite football players.
This follows the laws of the game getting stiffer in every corner of the world, including in semi-professional countries like Eswatini.
This is why clubs were taken through an anti-doping workshop before the current season started, with domestic random tests also expected to take place.
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Since elite stars also get selected into the senior national team Sihlangu Semnikati, they are exposed to international random doping tests.
In the latest doping issue, Sihlangu stars Kwakhe Thwala and Neliswa ‘Tiger’ Dlamini were picked from Eswatini for the testing after the match.
There was panic within the local side’s technical bench, particularly the medical department, but in the end, both stars had to take the tests.
It was worse for the rivals as they could be seen arguing with the doping panel at the stadium when their players were selected as well.
However, both teams had no choice but to release their players as later affirmed by Eswatini Football Association (EFA) Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi Radebe.
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The results had not yet been out at the time this report was compiled. The duo was not the first as on Wednesday,
midfielders Mxolisi Mkhontfo and Innocent ‘Makhehleni’ Dlamini who were found to be clear of any substance that could get them banned for two to four years minimum or even for life.
Generally, for most Eswatini players, dagga or marijuana would be the biggest threat.
