Nick Bester explains why clubs cut ties with athletes caught doping

The stance is not unique to Nedbank. Earlier this year, Hollywood Athletics Club also terminated the contract of seasoned runner Nkosikhona Mhlakwana after he tested positive.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Bester, who has managed athletes for more than 25 years, said he has no sympathy for runners who test positive.

“There are no shortcuts to success. If an athlete is caught doping, we cancel the contract right away.

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He or she must pay back all the incentives and retainers they received. It’s written clearly in their contracts, although it’s often difficult to recover the money,” Bester explained.  

He further detailed how the repayment process works. 

“For example, if an athlete is tested in January and the results only come out in July, everything earned from January until July must be repaid. I cannot sit at the same table with anyone who uses illegal substances,” he said firmly.

According to Bester, all major clubs in South Africa operate under the same principle of zero tolerance.

“Doping is a growing problem, not only in running but across all sports worldwide. We constantly advise our athletes and remind them that we do not tolerate doping. We also make sure they are compliant with the ‘whereabouts’ program so that Drug-Free Sport South Africa always knows where they are,” he said.

Bester also praised Nedbank’s sponsor, Biogen, for taking proactive measures to protect athletes.

“Biogen sends every batch of supplements for independent testing through an informed-sport laboratory in England. Only once the products are certified clean do we give them to our athletes. That way, we ensure they are not exposed to any banned substances,” he explained.

With doping cases rising globally, Bester insists his message remains the same: athletes who take shortcuts have no place in the sport.