National team cricketer Brandon Mavuta has apologized after his ban for recreational drug use.
The talented leg-spinner, together with Chevrons allrounder Wesley Madhevere were in January banned by the Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) for breaching anti-doping rules.
They were banned from all cricket activities for four months and fined half of their monthly earnings after they tested positive for a banned recreational drug in an out of competition case during an in-house dope test in December.
The two were ordered to train under the ZC High Performance headed by former national team coach Steve Mangongo while also undergoing rehabilitation overseen by the association's medical team.
Mavuta, a former U19 captain says he regrets his actions and has since apologised for his misdemeanours.
"I'm looking forward to joining the High-Performance programme to make sure I come back stronger," Mavuta posted on his X page, formerly Twitter.
"I sincerely apologise to Zimbabwe Cricket and our supporters and aim to pay you all back with my efforts."
Mangongo has backed Mavuta and Madhevere to come back stronger from this setback.
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"These two players are vital cogs in Zimbabwe Cricket. It's great to see that he has publicly acknowledged his misdemeanour. I believe he has realised his moment of madness by engaging in such issues and he is prepared to reform," Mangongo told NewsDay Sport yesterday.
"The zero tolerance by ZC on the use of banned substances is the way to go. Once players know that there are robust systems in place, then they shall not dare to engage."
The celebrated junior player development coach added that its not going to be a difficult task to rein in the two players given the cordial relationship that already exists between them.
"I have worked with both Wessy and Mavuta during the vital formative years in their careers. Our rapport is very mutual and based on honesty and tough love. Being in a structured High-Performance Programme, I believe the boys will come out better human beings and better players," he said.
"My advice to all players and athletes is that there are responsibilities on their shoulders as sports persons and as role models to society therefore, they have to live a clean life. Banned substances simply are a route to destroy their careers."
Meanwhile, Mountaineers top order batsman and Test opener, Kevin Kasuza awaits his verdict after being suspended for testing positive for a banned recreational drug during an in-house doping test last month. The 30-year-old is also being charged under the ZC employment code of conduct.
