Following an in-competition test at the Two Oceans 56km ultra-marathon on April 5, the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport handed Mhlakwana a three-year ban. His sample revealed the presence of Erythropoietin (EPO), a substance prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Code.

Mhlakwana accepted the sanction, which was reduced from four to three years due to his early admission of the violation.

His ban started on June 11 and will last until June 11, 2028.

Hollywood Athletics manager Manfred Seidler confirmed the contract cancellation to SABC Sport, noting that such action is standard procedure in cases of doping violations.

"A standard sponsorship contract like this one stipulates that once you test positive for a banned substance, your contract gets cancelled," explained Seidler.

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Seidler and the club’s management held a discussion with Mhlakwana, encouraging him to come forward and disclose the individuals responsible for supplying him with the banned substance.

However, it remains the athlete’s decision whether or not to share those names with the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport.

"Doping goes beyond the individual athlete, so when I sat down with him, I urged him to divulge the suppliers of the banned substance.

"The World anti-doping stance has always been a firm one, the athlete is guilty until proven innocent, but what happens with the suppliers who are distributing banned substances," questions Seidler.

Mhlakwana, who originally finished fourth in the 56km ultra-marathon in April with a time of 3 hours, 11 minutes, and 53 seconds, will forfeit his prize money.

As a result, the athlete who placed eleventh will now move into the top ten.

Seidler praised Mhlakwana for his character and cooperation, but acknowledged that there is nothing more the club can do to help him.

Seidler is more concerned about the athlete’s mental well-being following the ban, as he will now lose his livelihood, including monthly stipends from the Purple Team and sponsorship deals with Puma and others.

"His mental state is a huge concern. Once athletes test positive, they tend to go into their shells and enter a depressing state. He does have a support structure and things like counseling that are available to him."

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