By Ian Sadler and Rodney Reiners
Former Bafana Bafana winger Jerome McCarthy has tested positive for a banned substance and faces a fine as well as a six-month ban.
McCarthy, who plays for Manning Rangers in Durban, said on Thursday he was due to face a South African Football Association disciplinary hearing on Friday regarding the positive test.
"It happened in early December when we played Hellenic in Durban," McCarthy said. "I was called for a random test and the club was later informed a banned substance was detected in my urine.
"I had flu that week and the club doctor gave me a prescription for flu medicine. Right now, the doctor is in London, but I am waiting for him to return so that he can explain what he prescribed."
The substance found in McCarthy's urine is Fencamfamine, a stimulant that is one of the ingredients found in Reactivan tablets, which are obtainable on a doctor's prescription only. Fencamfamine stimulates the nervous system, and increases drive and mental alertness.
Following the positive test, Safa instructed the Premier League to inform the player he had seven days to respond, as well as having the option of a second sample (taken at the same time as the first) being tested.
"We decided against having the second sample tested," said Rangers chief executive Afzal Khan. "The player was taking medication for flu. We'll wait now until the Safa hearing."
Safa's Raymond Hack, who pointed out that South African football's anti-doping code was based on that of world governing body Fifa, said: "The player is a first offender and if found guilty faces a ban of between three and six months and a fine."
Chairman of the SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport, Dr Shuaib Manjra, said Reactivan was a pretty high schedule drug that was an "absolute no-no for any sportsperson" and (Fencamfamine) was not found in medication for flu. "Reactivan is schedule five while most cold and flu medications are schedule two."
"Besides Fencamfamine, Reactivan contains vitamins B and C. You'd never prescribe it to be taken before going to bed, the person would be wide awake all night," said Manjra, who is to be chief doping control officer at the upcoming cricket World Cup.
"The drug should only be prescribed for people suffering from fatigue, lethargy and lack of concentration."
This is the second time a PSL footballer has tested positive for a banned substance. Last season, Bush Bucks goalkeeper Arthur Bartman pleaded guilty to a doping charge, and was axed by the club. He has since joined top-of-the-log Supersport United.
He was found to have the stimulant ephedrine, a banned substance, in his system when tested. Bartman claimed it came from a food substance.