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THE issue of player behaviour and potential substance abuse has long been a topic of discussion in South African football.
Former AmaZulu FC goalie Tapuwa Kapini has added his voice to the debate, proposing a rather unconventional solution.
Kapini is currently in the books of the ABC Motsepe League side Highlands Park, who are drawn against his ex-club Sekhukhune United in the Nedbank Cup last 32.
The 39-year-old is a well-traveled goalminder, who played for teams such as AmaZulu FC, Platinum Stars, Highlands Park and Sekhukhune United.
Kapini has admitted that there are serious problems of alcohol abuse amongst players.
In recent times, several DStv Premiership clubs like Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu FC had to suspend or dismiss players for coming to training under the influence of alcohol.
The Zimbabwean goalkeeper has called on teams in the PSL to bring breathalysers to training, insisting that all players need to undergo tests before training sessions.
Kapini further suggested that players found intoxicated must face the music.
“This thing (alcohol abuse), especially within our professionals, our players need to be addressed,” he said at the Nedbank Cup Last 32 draw in Sandton.
“So if you know that you going out and you want to come and train, you’ll die on the field when you run. The problem will go to the coaches for not stopping you.
“I remember at Highlands Park; coach Owen Da Gama brought the breathalyser; even at Sekhukhune, they brought it.So I think those things have to be done at training, we know it’s not nice to have a breathalyser at training, but they have to do it because they are paying us salaries.
“Imagine if you work at the garage (filling station) you come drunk at work and someone gives you R200 to pour petrol and you pour R500. Who has to face the consequences? It’s management.
“As players, you need to make a choice and say no this is wrong and take care of themselves, you can’t keep on blaming the coaches.” — FarPost.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter