Shingi Matibiri, Sports Reporter
Bulawayo City coach Philani ‘Beefy’ Ncube has made sensational claims that 80% of Zimbabwean players playing in the domestic league abuse drugs particularly the cough syrup popularly known as ‘bronco’ on the streets.
Ncube, said the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe and the Premier Soccer League should look into this issue as a matter of urgency because drug abuse is rampant among the players in the country.
“These boys have taken drugs as part of their lifestyle. The effects of their drug-taking tendencies will be so negative in the next four months.
“PSL and Footballers Union of Zimbabwe have to take action before the situation escalates. I can tell you these boys can pass a Covid-19 test but not a doping test.
“The sad part is these things are even a trend at junior level which is sad,” Ncube told The Chronicle.
Ncube said it was unfortunate that coaches were being criticized for the poor performances by the players yet the players are not taking responsibility because of drug abuse.
“I can tell you that almost 80 percent of Zimbabwean players are on drugs. I will not mention names but when we played Highlanders there was a player from their end who was clearly under the influence.
“He was just sleeping. I know for a fact that he takes drugs. Then you hear people saying Mandla Mpofu, Joey Antipas or Beefy must go,” added Ncube.
Former Highlanders captain Gabriel Nyoni concurred with Ncube’s claim calling for mandatory testing for drugs saying he witnessed some of his teammates playing under the influence of drugs.
“It’s sad that we used to lose certain matches because certain players were high on broncleer. Coaches gave tactics and instructions the whole week. On the day of the game, five players are high on Broncleer. Reaction slow, coordination none. Clubs should make drug testing compulsory,” Nyoni said.
