South Africa’s Asenathi Ntlabakanye has faced a major setback after testing positive for Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in 2025, leading to an 18-month suspension from international competition. The 27-year-old forward, currently playing for Lions in Johannesburg, chose to continue training despite the violation, believing DHEA was acceptable. This decision has sparked debate about anti-doping enforcement and athlete rights.

The ban, imposed by a SAIDS tribunal, will expire in November, giving Ntlabakanye 21 days to appeal. While the consequences are severe, the ruling underscores the strict standards now applying to players aiming for top-tier tournaments. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining fairness in sports.