Amidst a storm of controversy and a swirl of support, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, the Springbok prop, is set to bulldoze his way into the Currie Cup final this Saturday. The Lions’ powerhouse will face off against the Griquas at the iconic Ellis Park, confirmed by Lions' head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi. Despite being under the cloud of two formal doping charges, Ntlabakanye has been cleared to play until his hearing in December.
In July, Ntlabakanye tested positive for a substance that, according to SA Rugby, was prescribed legally by a specialist. This non-performance enhancing substance has put him on the sidelines temporarily, especially during the Boks' recent tour to New Zealand. However, with no suspension currently in place, the 26-year-old is free to continue playing, a decision fully backed by his team.
"Asa will play, he will start,"
Nkosi declared, shedding light on the player's readiness and the team’s stance. "He’s obviously been charged formally but hasn’t been suspended. In the interim, he’s a contracted rugby player for the Lions, so he must play up until his hearing in December."
The coach also revealed that Ntlabakanye has spent the past few weeks coming to terms with his situation and preparing his defence. This time has also seen him getting emotionally comfortable and ready to step back into the fray as the team's vice-captain for the final.
"He’s in good emotional shape. He has trained with us for the last two weeks and we are looking forward to having him."
Nkosi added, hinting at a strong comeback for Ntlabakanye. With the upcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) tour also on the horizon, it seems playing now was deemed the right strategy for both the player and the team. Lion’s top brass, including chairman and CEO Rudolf Straeuli, have expressed their full support, ready to back Ntlabakanye as the situation unfolds.
The final team lineup will be announced on Friday, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiery showdown at Ellis Park. As the Lions and Griquas prepare to clash, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Ntlabakanye, a player looking to prove his mettle amidst adversity.
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Amidst a storm of controversy and a swirl of support, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, the Springbok prop, is set to bulldoze his way into the Currie Cup final this Saturday. The Lions’ powerhouse will face off against the Griquas at the iconic Ellis Park, confirmed by Lions' head coach Mziwakhe Nkosi. Despite being under the cloud of two formal doping charges, Ntlabakanye has been cleared to play until his hearing in December.
In July, Ntlabakanye tested positive for a substance that, according to SA Rugby, was prescribed legally by a specialist. This non-performance enhancing substance has put him on the sidelines temporarily, especially during the Boks' recent tour to New Zealand. However, with no suspension currently in place, the 26-year-old is free to continue playing, a decision fully backed by his team.
"Asa will play, he will start,"
Nkosi declared, shedding light on the player's readiness and the team’s stance. "He’s obviously been charged formally but hasn’t been suspended. In the interim, he’s a contracted rugby player for the Lions, so he must play up until his hearing in December."
The coach also revealed that Ntlabakanye has spent the past few weeks coming to terms with his situation and preparing his defence. This time has also seen him getting emotionally comfortable and ready to step back into the fray as the team's vice-captain for the final.
"He’s in good emotional shape. He has trained with us for the last two weeks and we are looking forward to having him."
Nkosi added, hinting at a strong comeback for Ntlabakanye. With the upcoming United Rugby Championship (URC) tour also on the horizon, it seems playing now was deemed the right strategy for both the player and the team. Lion’s top brass, including chairman and CEO Rudolf Straeuli, have expressed their full support, ready to back Ntlabakanye as the situation unfolds.
The final team lineup will be announced on Friday, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiery showdown at Ellis Park. As the Lions and Griquas prepare to clash, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Ntlabakanye, a player looking to prove his mettle amidst adversity.