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Cape Town - The Dale College Old Boys Union has come out in support of under-fire Springbok Aphiwe Dyantyi after the 25-year-old found himself at the centre of a banned substances saga that is threatening his career.
Last Friday, South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) confirmed that Dyantyi's B-sample from a test earlier in the year confirmed the presence of three banned substances: metandienone, methyltestosteroneand LGD-4033.
As a result, Dyantyi is facing the possibility of a four-year ban.
The statement, which was released on the Old Boys Union's Facebook page, made it clear that the union was not fighting the law nor the findings, but rather offering its support to Dyantyi.
Dyantyi matriculated from Dale in 2012.
Full statement:
"Many South Africans, from all walks of life, but the rugby fraternity in particular, woke up to the reality of Aphiwe Dyantyi testing for a banned substance on the eve of the World Cup Squad announcement.
"This is terrible and catastrophic, as the likes of Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi played with and against Aphiwe during their formative years. Aphiwe, who has dedicated life andlimb to the national consciousness, lies in wake of a possible four (4) year suspension and commercial obliteration, on the basis of allegations against him in respect of illegal use of anabolic steroids.
"Ours is as a Union of former students of Dale College Boys High School, incorporated to specifically assist, where possible, the welfare of our own as they journey into the real world and maintain the camaraderie of our school among our graduates. The real world has always and continues to be an area where the young need support, continuously. Mr Dyantyi is an Old Dalian, having studied all of his High School years in our school, hailing from Ngcobo town in the erstwhile Transkei. He is manifestly black and underprivileged, from parents who care about education!
"He is one of our best who have paid true to our values, and linking sport to national duty, jointly with others such as Keegan Daniel, Lubabalo Mthembu and Aphelele Fassi.We do not specialise in medicine nor the regulatory affairs of commercial sport, experts have made an informed decision and have found Aphiwe to have used a banned substance. A reality we cannot run away from is that Aphiwe has been found guilty, the Old Dalian Union does not promote the usage of banned substances in any sport.
"We are a proud school that produces young men for our country, to excel, prosper and motivate others. We are a public school; our values derive from uBuntu of the normal South African.
"We do not know why and how Aphiwe Dyantyi tested positive for the banned substance, however we have accepted the verdict and we will continue to support Aphiwe Dyantyi as an Old Dalian.
"Ours is to support our own as the world thinks that he has perhaps entered his last hour. He has not!
"He won’t wilter in embarrassment in the public, like a flower does with no water; he will not be humiliated, given his contribution to the school, province and country. He is an exceptional young man, something this country needs.
"Grey College Bloemfontein supported Hansie Cronje during and after his low moments of dishonesty as a national captain. They believed, correctly so, that Hansie was a fallible human being who had represented their values on the best platforms.Aphiwe is our own and during this most trying moment, we will stand by him. Much like other countries and regions we must support our own during their darkest hours.
"Given Aphiwe’s commitment to being a brother, son and national ambassador, Mr Dyantyi is the first player to pay homage to iGwijo squad, being true to his rural heritage and the Dale College spirit of togetherness. He is the first to acknowledge his older brothers and their influence on him professionally. Proof of his humility. He has been true to the values of the school and excelling in the field of rugby at such a young age. He is one of a few Springboks that are already a University graduate; he is a leader in sportsmen having professional lives after sport.
"Aphiwe, as he sits in the consultations with lawyers, as the media continue to report and as his commercial agreements start to flounder and some will, inevitably, cancel. The Old Dalian Union will never forget the pride, passion and honour that he has carried on the international platform.
"When asked about how he feels as International New comer of the year, Aphiwe said, “he hopes his success can inspire all young South Africans in their fields”. What a Dalian! On foreign waters he identified his success with that of every young South African.
"Whatever the outcome of the legal process, the Old Dalian Union will be available in support in bringing you back to your best, in whatever way the Old Dalian Union can.
"Aphiwe, Mntana womgquba!, YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE!"
Sinethemba Tsipa
Old Dalian Union
National President
