Mado cautions athletes

Malawi Anti-Doping Organisation (Mado) has cautioned athletes in the country against consuming banned substances as they continue training from home.

The caution comes as people are consuming herbal remedies, believing that they are a cure for coronavirus.

Mado Vice General Secretary, Brutus Ndhlovu, has said athletes need to watch what they are consuming to ensure that they do not fail doping tests when sport returns.

“We are worried with what our athletes may be eating or drinking, as some of the foods being consumed might contain traces of prohibited substances. There is much talk about herbal remedies for the pandemic, which we think may contain banned substances.

“Our worry is that when sports resumes, some of them may end up failing doping tests. We are hoping that team doctors are in constant touch with their athletes, reminding them of which foods and drinks contain prohibited substances,” Ndhlovu said.

He further said they had planned educational and awareness campaigns for the athletes.

“Our only challenge has been the Covid-19 pandemic. Government restrictions on gatherings have hampered our progress on the matter. It is our belief that once the situation improves, we will hit the ground running with educational programs on doping,” he concluded.

Civo Service United captain, Blessings Tembo, said the team is exercising caution on all herbal remedies for various ailments.

“Our team doctor always gives us tips on precautionary measures that are helping us to remain safe. This is helping us to use only those herbal remedies that do not contain banned substances,” he said.

Mado is currently developing anti-doping rules for the country which will take effect from January 1.

To achieve this, the organisation has formed a task force to come up with rules which will be in line with the country’s economic, political, legal and religious status.