Latest news with #Saids
Daily Maverick
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
‘People will have their different opinions' — Rabada focused on WTC after drugs ban
'I'm going to keep playing for the country, keep doing my best and live with whatever comes my way,' Kagiso Rabada said in his first press conference since the substance abuse ban. Proteas pace ace Kagiso Rabada has faced the media for the first time since his one-month substance abuse ban in April. Rabada was initially handed a three-month ban by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (Saids) after a random drugs test on 21 January found 'substances of abuse' in his system. These are categorised as either cocaine, heroin, MDMA/ecstasy or THC by Saids. The fast-bowler, the fifth-highest Test wicket taker in South Africa's history, is gearing up for the World Test Championship (WTC) final from 11 June against Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground in England. Rabada was initially reluctant to answer any questions when probed about the circumstances that got him into the position of consuming one of the aforementioned drugs, instead pointing to the statement he put out after his ban came to light. 'The thing about that incident is… I've put it down in my statement,' he said. 'I didn't take 30 seconds to write it down. Everything is there. I don't think there's any more to speak of that. 'If I had to elaborate a bit more and move away from it and see how it influenced me, it led me to a bit of introspection about myself. I took some time away from the game. 'The biggest thing I took from it is having gratitude for playing the game that we love and I'm just glad to be playing again. 'I'd like to thank, again, Saca (South African Cricketers' Association), they were phenomenal in this, and Cricket South Africa. 'The process was handled really well. Andrew Breetzke (CEO at Saca) led it very well and the decision to come back early was brilliant. 'That's a decision that I made. I could have tried to contest it and whatnot, but coming home was the best option and I was in good hands. 'All the parties that were involved were compliant and the whole process was smooth and that's all that I'm going to take away from that. 'In my statement I was very sincere about how I feel about it.' Lessons Queried about the lessons he took from failing the drugs test and the scrutiny that followed, Rabada said he was grateful for those around him and their support. 'Like I said, it was about gratitude and as a player and as a man, people will have their different opinions about it and I can live with that,' he said. 'There will be people who will be for you and people who will be against you and I can live with that, that's fine, but I know that I can still play the game of cricket. 'Nothing changes. I'm going to keep playing for the country, keep doing my best and live with whatever comes my way. 'The world doesn't revolve around me. There are people out there who are going through a lot worse.' Rabada added that he would like to move past the ban and focus on the WTC final. 'Certainly, moving into this World Test Championship final, it is about that whole event. It's not just about me and this incident that has occurred, which is why I think it's a waste of time talking [any] further about it,' he said. 'Everything was handled very well, in an orderly manner, and we can move on from it.' Rabada said that while he had regretted his actions and the hurt he caused to those closest to him, he wouldn't apologise at every turn, but instead continue to live his life. 'I've had a lot of support from those who are close to me,' he said. 'I don't go around looking on Twitter (X) to see what everyone is saying. 'Definitely, as you would have seen in my statement, there are some people who I feel would have been disappointed and for those who were, that's why I said deeply sorry, as my statement said. 'The people who were closest to me, I felt, were the ones who I let down. In saying that, life moves on. 'I'm not going to 'Mr, I apologise' about it too much. I don't think I have to be, but I do not condone that action, I will never condone it, but I've moved on.' Support from the team Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma and coach Shukri Conrad both came out to bat for Rabada recently. Bavuma said their friendship comes first and Conrad hit back at the Australian critics with a verse from the Bible: 'Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.' For Rabada, not only was that unsurprising, it is what he expected from his captain and coach. 'I didn't expect anything else because they're my teammates,' he said. 'I have trust in my teammates. I've always had confidence in my teammates. 'We've come so far. I knew they'd be supportive and they still are. This was not an ideal situation but they fill in as those members who are close to me and who are supporting me. 'I don't need too many pats on the back here. I'm going to be joining with them again. I've already spoken to them and we can do so in more detail when we get together with each other for an extended amount of time. 'I don't want this to be about me. This is about something greater than it being about me. It's about two teams going to play in a world [championship] event. 'There's going to be good cricket going to be played and I'm just going to keep doing what I've done.' Rabada did, however, say he will address the squad when they assemble on Saturday for the first time in preparation for the WTC final in Arundel. 'I think I owe it to them, 100%,' Rabada said. 'They're my teammates. I definitely owe it to them. We've come so far. To my closest people I owe that to them.' DM
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Challenges Sabah's interior designers face: New head
Published on: Friday, May 30, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 30, 2025 By: Mohd Izham Bin Hashim Text Size: Dr Wilson (7th from right) and the new Saids chairman, Ashley (6th from right), with the incoming committee for the 2025-2027 term. Kota Kinabalu: Supply chain and logistical issues pose significant challenges for interior designers in Sabah, hindering their ability to meet the ever-growing demands of clients in the state. Ashley Yeoh, the new Chairman of the Sabah Interior Designers Society (Saids), emphasized that modern customers are becoming more tech-savvy and inquisitive. This shift is prompting designers to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape, where client expectations often surpass the capabilities of local infrastructure. 'Today's consumers are more informed, with access to global trends and designs through platforms like TikTok. Unfortunately, the local supply chain struggles to keep up with these advancements,' Ashley said. As designers increasingly rely on external suppliers to meet the rising demand for innovative solutions, they face delays and heightened costs. The growing gap between supply and demand is making it increasingly difficult for designers to deliver work of the highest quality. The sophistication of clients—coupled with their willingness to question designers on materials, features, and the integration of technology—places additional pressure on the design process. Advertisement Beyond logistical challenges, Ashley highlighted the increasing role of technology in shaping the future of interior design. 'Technology is no longer just a trend; it's becoming a cornerstone of modern living. From smart home solutions to AI-driven designs, designers must adapt to these new realities,' she said at Saids Appreciation Event and the Installation Ceremony of the new committee for the term 2025-2027. The event was graced by Saids founder, Prof Dato' Seri Dr Wilson Yong, who was the Guest-of -Honour. In his keynote address, Dr Wilson underscored that the Society's strength lies in its ability to bring together diverse perspectives and ideas. 'Saids was established to foster collaboration. By integrating diverse viewpoints, we can innovate and create truly unique designs that bring a lasting and positive impact,' he stated. Dr Wilson also pointed to Sabah's rich cultural heritage as a vital source of inspiration for local designers. 'Our heritage is our strength. We aim to showcase Sabah's unique story through our designs, blending traditional elements with modern aesthetics,' he said. Moving ahead, Dr Wilson emphasized the need for a focus on quality and innovation, with an eye on sustainability and the future. He encouraged the new Saids committee to prioritize understanding the needs of the design community, building connections, and collaborating to elevate the sector to new heights. Ashley expanded on this vision, noting that designers who embrace cutting-edge technologies such as 3D rendering, virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) will gain a competitive advantage—much like the edge that designers who adopted computer-aided design (CAD) gained decades ago. However, aside from technological challenges, Ashley also addressed the ongoing issue of the undervaluation of interior designers in Kota Kinabalu. 'Interior designers need to stand firm on their worth,' she emphasized, stressing the importance of educating younger members and the public on the expertise and professionalism that interior designers bring to the table. In response to these challenges, Ashley outlined several initiatives aimed at educating clients and training new designers. Through programmes like Saids Dialogue, Saids Connect, and Saids Inspirations, the Society is working to provide valuable learning opportunities and foster industry connections. Workshops focused on continuous professional development are also in the pipeline. 'By uniting the industry and working closely with suppliers, we can gradually overcome these challenges and build a stronger foundation for the future,' Ashley concluded. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The South African
11-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kagiso Rabada's recreational drug confirmed as COCAINE
Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has completed a one-month suspension after testing positive for a banned substance during the SA20 tournament earlier this year. The 28-year-old was suspended following the detection of benzoylecgonine (BZE), a metabolite of cocaine, in a urine sample collected after MI Cape Town's SA20 match against Durban's Super Giants in January. The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (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. Galant noted that positive drug tests in cricket are rare in South Africa, with no similar cases reported in recent years. Kagiso Rabada chose not to have his 'B' sample tested, a decision Saids deemed pragmatic. 'If you know you did it, it saves you time and legal fees,' Galant said. The suspension was quietly served after Rabada returned from India in early April. He is now back with his Indian Premier League franchise, the Gujarat Titans, although the IPL has been suspended amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. No matches have been played since last Thursday, and league officials were expected to meet over the weekend to determine the tournament's future. Despite the setback, Rabada remains eligible for international selection and is expected to join the Proteas Test squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's in London next month. The incident has reignited discussions around drug use in professional sport, though authorities have reiterated that the substance involved is classified under 'substances of abuse' rather than performance enhancers, which carries a different disciplinary framework. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
11-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
What was found in Rabada's drugs test, according to report
The SA cricket star has already served his suspension and is available to play again. Kagiso Rabada in action for the Gujarat Titans in the IPL. Picture:Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada served a one-month suspension for recreational drug use after traces of benzoylecgonine (BZE), a metabolite of cocaine, were reportedly found in his urine sample, according to Sunday publication Rapport. Rabada, who has already served the suspension after returning to South Africa from India in early April, is back with his Indian Premier League team Gujarat Titans. However, the IPL has been suspended due to tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir. No matches have been played since Thursday. IPL bosses were to meet on Sunday to discuss the way forward. Rabada tested during SA20 Rabada was one of 16 cricketers tested during the SA20 in January. He provided a sample to the SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport (Saids) after the match between his team, MI Cape Town, and Durban's Super Giants in Durban, according to Khalid Galant, the CEO of Saids. 'He was tested after the match, he provided the sample, and that sample tested positive for substance of abuse,' Galant told 'In South Africa, in terms of this substance, I think we haven't had a positive in cricket in a few years. Internationally, it may be different. In the last two or three years, we haven't had a high number of positive cases in cricket.' According to Rapport, Rabada declined the option of having his B sample tested. 'He was smart to go down that route,' Galant, CEO of the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (Saids), told Rapport. 'If you know you did it, it saves you time and legal fees.' Rabada will be available for the Proteas Test team when they take on Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord's in London early next month. Full story in Rapport.
Daily Maverick
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Rabada's recreational drug use admission should be seen as a warning sign and possible cry for help
Fast-bowling superstar Kagiso Rabada needs support as he returns to play after a positive drugs test. Last week, South Africa's leading fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada, admitted to failing a drug test, which found a recreational drug in his system. The test, conducted by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport (Saids), took place on 21 January during the SA20 competition. Rabada found out about the positive test a few months later – on 1 April – while on duty for the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He didn't contest the finding and waived the right for a B-sample to be analysed, clearly knowing he was responsible. That might seem like a small detail but it's actually significant. Recreational drug use is mostly illegal as they're almost always obtained nefariously. You don't go down to the pharmacy and buy over-the-counter cocaine or ecstasy. In many cases, recreational drug use is also detrimental to the user. But in a sporting context, this category of narcotics is not performance enhancing. A report by the University of Sydney published in 2024 is just one source that quashes the idea that cocaine, for instance, can be performance enhancing. 'Athletes may use cocaine to improve focus, endurance, or to increase confidence, which it is claimed could provide them with an unfair advantage,' the reports states. 'However, despite the perceived benefits, it is highly unlikely an athlete would use it for performance enhancement. This is because the duration of the euphoric sensation is relatively brief, maybe as short as 15 to 30 minutes, and often followed by a rapid decline in mood and energy levels. 'The cocaine would also likely affect their judgement and decision-making, an important aspect of ball sports.' Rabada case Rabada's conduct has been mature in the wake of a stupid act. This is not systematic doping to gain a competitive edge. It appears to be a one-off moment of weakness/experimentation that is both believable and plausible, which the player has accepted. Immediately Rabada took responsibility and was ready to front up to a mistake. And this is where the line is blurred because people are quick to be moral police and demonise Rabada because he used some form of recreational drug. The circumstances and reasons that he took a recreational drug are not really the business of the media or the public. The fact that he was found to have taken a recreational drug, during a popular tournament and as a high-profile person, is certainly newsworthy and in the public interest. Hence the reporting on the matter. And because Rabada violated the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) regulations, it automatically triggered a cascade of events and bureaucratic procedures. Lenient sentence? Let's fast forward slightly. Rabada has only been slapped with an effective one-month ban for this violation, which on the face of it seems lenient. There have been cases where sportspeople have received two-year suspensions after being found guilty of recreational drug use. So why not in this case? The reason is straightforward – a change in policy. Wada has softened its stance on recreational drug bans because they are not performance enhancing. And while this type of action does violate the guiding principle of 'the spirit of sport', the 'crime' doesn't really warrant a potentially career-ending ban. In 2021, Wada altered its own Code when it came to the 'spirit of sport', essentially admitting that they could not be the moral guardians of people's lifestyles. The key change in the 2021 Wada Code was the introduction of a new category called 'substances of abuse'. This category specifically includes substances that are frequently abused in society outside of the context of sport. That change in policy and philosophy meant that while recreational drugs remained on the banned list, they would be tried without the added burden of the 'spirit of sport' clause. Wada's central objective is to stop people cheating in sport due to using performance-enhancing drugs. It's almost impossible to make a case for recreational drugs doubling up as substances that improve sporting prowess. Under the previous version of the Code, testing positive for these substances could result in a ban of up to two or even four years, depending on the specific substance and circumstances. However, the updated Code stated that if an athlete tests positive for a 'substance of abuse' during an in-competition test but can establish that the ingestion or use occurred out-of-competition and was unrelated to sport performance, then the period of ineligibility would be a standard three months. Furthermore, this three-month period could be reduced to just one month if the athlete satisfactorily completed a substance abuse treatment programme approved by the relevant anti-doping organisation. It's important to note that even under the amended Code, if the recreational drug was taken 'in-competition' a two-year ban could still apply. Wheels in motion So when Rabada heard of the outcome of his test conducted by Saids, a legal process kicked in. And because South African players are well represented by the South African Cricketers' Association, Rabada was able to mobilise significant legal and medical resources to prove that this was a regrettable mistake. First, he needed to prove the drug was taken 'out of competition', which is defined as midnight, the night before a match. That required experts in toxicology to look at the metabolites in Rabada's sample to map out the timeline of when the drug was ingested in relation to when he was due to play again. He was able to prove that he didn't take the substance 'in competition' thanks to markers in his sample and the analysis of medical experts. The findings of Rabada's team were scrutinised by the prosecution (under Saids) and were accepted as 'out-of-competition'. That is the brief version of how Rabada was suspended for three months, which was reduced to a month after he underwent counselling. Future Of course, this incident will raise uncomfortable questions for Rabada and his inner circle. And it will no doubt lead to some heavy sledging when South Africa meets Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord's next month. It was an act of stupidity and poor judgement. The incident has also hurt Rabada's previously clean image and will no doubt have ramifications for his multiple off-field sponsorships, which he might lose or will have to work hard to retain. Most concerningly though, is Rabada okay? Is this a symptom of deeper problems – of the loneliness of being on the road and of the constant pressure to perform? It appears it was a one-off transgression, but it's opened a door to a road filled with potholes and danger for one of South Africa's sporting heroes. Rabada has been handed a relatively light punishment for a potentially serious offence. That's the good news.
