TOP Lesotho sprinter, Mosito Lehata has acknowledged the mistake he has been making for the past 14 years during which time he used a banned substance that led to his five-year suspension by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport (SAIDS).

According to SAIDS, a South African outfit whose mission is to detect, deter and prevent the use of prohibited substances and methods in the SA and international sporting environment that are contrary to the principles of fair play and the health and well-being of athletes, Lehata tested positive for the presence of Salbutamol and was charged with attempted tampering with the doping control process.

SAIDS says the athlete has accordingly been sanctioned for five years following two anti-doping rule violations.

“Every action has a consequence. Either it was unintentionally or intentionally. I have been in athletics for 14 years and I am proud of everything I have accomplished. I made one mistake in 14 years and I have to pay for it.

“I took asthma medication and it got me in trouble. For those that I have disappointed, I apologise to you. To all the upcoming athletes, you don't have to make the same mistakes I made. Learn from my mistakes. Always be careful of what you take. Basotho, you have been so supportive for more than a decade. Thank you a million times,” Lehata posted on his social media platforms on Tuesday.

He admitted to the charges and waived his right to a hearing. He entered into a ‘Results Management Agreement’ that resulted in a reduction in his sanction.  

His period of ineligibility began on June 9 from the date of Voluntary Acceptance of Provisional Suspension and will serve until June 8, 2026.