adminLovemore Dube Sports Editor
SOCCER players must be role models in society, leading lifestyles that are not blemished. This was said by the Member of Parliament for Bubi, Clifford Sibanda, yesterday at a function held at Enthokozweni Safari Camp in Bubi for Highlanders.Sibanda said doping remained among the strongest threats to sport.
The Bubi local leadership was meeting the Mbada Cup winners who are on off-season camp there. In an interview, Sibanda said soccer players were role models in society. Whatever they do, he said, tended to be believed by the multitudes and hence the need for them to lead by example.
“Soccer players are the leaders in the sport fraternity. Sport is quite popular with soccer perched at the top and everyone looks up to soccer players to lead by example,” said Sibanda.
He said anti-doping was the way to go if sports personalities were to adopt a positive culture that could be emulated by youths.
“It is one thing as a country we have to wage a war against. It has no room in society and sport and every effort must be made to eradicate it,” said the veteran politician.
Sibanda said good behaviour cultivates healthy lifestyles and Fair Play.
“There is no fairness when someone is competing under the influence of drugs. It is taken to enhance performance whereas sport calls for an even competing ground without the use of drugs,” Sibanda said.
Sibanda had earlier on told the players that they had found it difficult to bring them foodstuffs to camp because of the anti-doping crusade.
“We are proud of Highlanders, we are gathered here as a token of appreciation. Because of anti-doping, you have things that you must not eat or drink, so it was difficult for us to bring you anything so we resolved to buy drinks for you,” said Sibanda.
The reception was co-ordinated by Highlanders board member Luke Mnkandla who is a farmer and businessman in the area.
Online Reporter