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Cape Town - Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Thandani Ntshumayelo says he is hopeful of seeing his ban for the use of cocaine reduced so he can make a return to playing football.
The South African Institute for Drug Free Sport (SAIDS) banned the player after he tested positive for the banned substance while playing for the Sea Robbers nearly two years ago against Platinum Stars in January 2016.
It led to the immediate termination of his contract with Pirates and the former player has been in limbo ever since.
Ntshumayelo was handed a four-year ban and is only eligible to return sometime in 2020.
Nonetheless, 'Bibo' says he is a reformed character and pleaded with SAIDS to lessen his sentence.
"I'm working hard to get the sentence reduced so I can start playing again," he said as quoted by KickOff website.
"What happened in the past is not something I want to talk about. I just want to get back to playing football.
"This could happen due to good behaviour, I am behaving well. Now, I am a family man and I am more mature.
He continued: "I have a son, I am a father and these things have played a big role in my life moving forward.
"I am pleading with whoever is in charge to give me another chance to play football.
"My aim is not to spend four years waiting, I just want to play football."
