*Doping syndicate takes root in Botswana-RADO
The Head of the Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO), Andrew Kamanga, has warned that a doping syndicate has taken root in Botswana.
Kamanga cautioned against what he described as sponsored social media campaigns aimed at discrediting RADO’s work in eradicating the scourge of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in the country.
The RADO head once again came under the spotlight this week following a live video by local sprinter Karabo Mothibi, in which the athlete accused RADO of corruption. In the 23-minutes, 55-second live video, the 29-year-old 100m and 200m sprinter, whose samples were taken in April last year, said he was suspicious of the manner in which his results were handled by the doping agency. “I was tested in April after the Golden Grand Prix, and I’m told my results came back in June, but I was only notified in October. Something is off here,” said Mothibi.
The athlete questioned why, despite the association allegedly having his results by June, he was still allowed to compete in Europe and was later called up for national duty for the Southern Region Athletics Championships in Zimbabwe, and even received his allowances.
“I won a silver medal and a gold in the 4x100m relay. How is it possible that I was called for national duty while the association had my results?” he asked.
Mothibi ended the live broadcast with a chilling warning directed at Kamanga. “We’re coming for you,” he said.
Kamanga, however, remains unfazed and has reiterated his determination to rid the sport of any elements that could damage the country’s image. He said he has been involved in anti-doping work for a long time and is accustomed to such attacks.
“We uphold the highest standards applicable to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA),” Kamanga told Voice Sport.
“These athletes pointing fingers must know that the other fingers are pointing back at them. They must ask themselves why they are testing positive,” he said. Kamanga said RADO works with the best doctors and utilises world-class laboratories.
“We don’t joke at RADO. When we say you’ve tested positive for a banned substance, that’s exactly what we mean. There is no malice or intention to destroy athletes. I’ve groomed a lot of athletes; why would I then turn around and destroy them?” a bewildered Kamanga asked.
“These youngsters are fundamentally dishonest, but I forgive them because they are kids,” he added.
He told Voice Sport that his office is committed to ridding the sport of cheats and will work tirelessly to ensure Botswana’s sport remains clean.
“We can’t allow an organised doping syndicate to take root in the country. We will act, no matter how painful the consequences. It ends careers, we know, but it is a necessary evil, and I’m happy that the government has invested in anti-doping to safeguard the future of our athletes.”
Kamanga said it was concerning that since 2022, Botswana has registered 10 positive doping cases.
“This is too much. Botswana is under siege, and some of the substances used by these athletes cannot be found in any pharmacy. These are substances handled only by specialist doctors, and we don’t know how the athletes access them,” he said.
The RADO officer dismissed allegations that his office tampers with results to destroy athletes’ careers.
“We cannot manipulate specialists, people with PhDs in Qatar to victimise Batswana athletes. Why would we? There is no room for corruption in anti-doping. The system is transparent,” he said.
Kamanga explained that when samples are sent to testing laboratories, they carry no identifying information, only a code, and athletes themselves seal the bottles containing their specimens.
“Samples are transported in tamper-proof containers and are only opened at the lab. There is no corruption. You got caught, and we won’t allow you to ruin the sport for children who aspire to become professional athletes,” the anti-cheat officer said.
