Kagiso Rabada's cocaine drug use has South Africans fuming
South Africans have expressed their disappointment and shock at the bombshell news that Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada tested positive for cocaine.
Rabada mysteriously returned from the Indian Premier League (IPL) in early April for 'personal reasons'.
While many wondered why he'd leave his Gujarat Titans team mid-tournament, others expressed genuine concern that something unfortunate had transpired in his personal life.
Alas, in hindsight, we should've all known better.
Kagiso Rabada had in fact returned to South Africa as he'd been informed that he'd failed a doping test after a urine sample was collected after MI Cape Town's SA20 match against Durban's Super Giants in January.
The test detected benzoylecgonine (BZE), a metabolite of cocaine, a banned substance on the recreational drug list.
Under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines, while the standard suspension for such an offence is three months – and judgement from your supporters – Rabada's ban was reduced to just one month after he hastily completed a substance abuse treatment programme approved by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS).
SAIDS confirmed the positive test and subsequent disciplinary action.
'He was tested after the match, he provided the sample, and that sample tested positive for a substance of abuse,' said SAIDS CEO Khalid Galant.
Rabada chose not to have his 'B' sample tested, a decision Galant deemed pragmatic.
'If you know you did it, it saves you time and legal fees,' he said.
Kagiso Rabada is now free to return to the playing field as the IPL wraps up following a week-long suspension amid tension between India and Pakistan over Kashmir.
He remains eligible for international selection and was named in the Proteas' 15-man squad for the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's in London next month.
While sports fans typically have short memories and as long as he's 'one of ours' and, in this case, taking wickets for the Proteas, all is often quickly forgotten.
However, for a number of South Africans, they will never see Kagiso Rabada in the same light again.
The South African website's social media pages and WhatsApp line was flooded with South Africans angered, disappointed and shocked at the news.
Below, just a handful of the responses:
As a fan of KG, I'm saddened by his actions. His brilliance on the field doesn't excuse his drug use. We shouldn't make excuses or wait for a fuller story – the facts are clear – Valerie
Hmmmm not great from a role model athlete – Richard
Can't believe it he was my favourite cricketer – Rodney
Having more money doesn't guarantee happiness – Monyekwa
We never expected such from him – Ndwakhulu
It will be your downfall!! Stop this bad habit!! – Dalene
Oh no, that is sad to hear. Not the kind of thing I thought he would be into – Julie
Done flushing his future down the drain – Musa
So bad for a role model – Moses
Recreational you are a great disappointment to our country shame on you – Madeline
He should be ashamed of him self he should know better than that time he was kicked out of the side – Lynn
What a shame. He was destined for greatness – Brian
Here goes the sponsorships – Tommy
Geez cocaine of all things, I thought it was weed/dagga, I hope he gets the help he needs. He also needs to cut back on the amount of games his playing maybe fatigue is what lead him to start using – Sibonelo
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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