Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Josta Dladla remembers his alleged doping scandal as if it were yesterday. He had tested positive for using methylhexaneamine, a drug stimulant the SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) said a player would be banned for approximately 24 months.
Now the creative midfielder is back training with the Amakhosi reserves side. He had just led them to a 1-1 draw against SuperSport United in the MultiChoice Diski Challenge reserve league.
“I don’t know how I survived,” said Dladla. “It was the longest 10 months of my life. A whole lot of people were giving up on me and I understood why, given the situation I was in. I knew I was innocent given fact that it was never my intent to use something which was going to have a bad reflection on my career.
“One can only overcome such hurdles in life through proper support structures around you. And it was my family and coaches at the club who kept me sane throughout that period, I can only be grateful for their support,” he added.
Dladla, who is now 35, understands he will have to work harder for a place in the starting line-up under coach Stuart Baxter.
“I’m not done with football yet,” he said. “I’m 35 and my plan is to continue playing for as long as I can.”
Dladla also praised the Multichoice Diski Challenge reserve league, saying it is a wonderful opportunity for young hopefuls to showcase their talents and sign up with PSL teams. - The Star