Orlando Pirates star Thandani Ntshumayelo has been banned for fours years by the South African Institute of Drug-free sport after testing positive for cocaine.

Ntshumayelo reportedly pleaded guilty to the charge at a hearing over the incident which took place last Tuesday.  The player freely admitted to having taken the substance at a party following his side’s 1-1 draw with Platinum Stars on January 9 this year, reports SADFS.

‘The athlete did confess evidence that he did take three lines of cocaine at a party and that he was influenced by friends to take cocaine and as a result committed a mistake,’ SADFS said in a statement.

‘The athlete further confessed that he did take the substance three days prior to the date he was tested. The athlete further testified that he took the substance knowing that it was cocaine and that it was a banned substance.’

SADFS CEO Khalid Galant added that the player will have an opportunity to appeal the sentence should an appeal board rule an appeal is validated. ‘Bibo’ will have to await the board’s decision before he can take further action.

‘The appeal will be heard if there are valid grounds that an appeal board can be put together to hear the appeal against the 4-year sentence,’ Galant confirmed.

Ntshumayelo made 12 appearances for Pirates last season, scoring once.