Tusker FC officially kicked off their pre-season training camp in Kisumu on Monday with an intensive educational workshop on anti-doping conducted by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK).
The session formed part of the club’s commitment to holistic player development, ensuring that athletes not only prepare physically and tactically for the new season but also strengthen their knowledge of ethical standards and responsibilities as professionals.
During the workshop, players and members of the technical bench were taken through critical topics, including sample collection procedures, anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs), the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) list of prohibited substances, as well as the specific roles and responsibilities of athletes and their support personnel within the anti-doping framework.
The session also highlighted the consequences of violations and the need for vigilance in areas such as nutrition, medication, and supplements.
Kennedy Mwai, Principal Education Officer at ADAK, emphasized the agency’s mission of empowering athletes with knowledge as a preventive measure against doping practices.
“Our focus is not only on enforcement but also on education. By equipping players with the right information, we enable them to make informed decisions, safeguard their health, and protect the integrity of the sport. Workshops like these are essential in ensuring that Kenyan athletes compete on a clean and level playing field,” Mwai said after the workshop.
Tusker FC assistant captain Tom Teka welcomed the initiative, stressing its importance for players’ careers and personal responsibility.
“This session has been an eye-opener for us as players. It reminded us that we carry the responsibility of protecting both our careers and the club’s reputation by competing clean. Understanding the risks and being cautious about what we consume is something that will guide us not just this season, but throughout our football journeys,” said the defender.
The ADAK engagement marked the official start of Tusker FC’s week-long pre-season program in Kisumu, which will feature high-intensity training sessions and friendly matches against newly promoted FKF Premier League APS Bomet, local side TBM Health, and Kakamega Homeboyz.
