Former Tusker FC and Gor Mahia midfielder Teddy Osok has broken his silence on the doping scandal that derailed his promising career.Osok, now three years into the ban, recounted a turbulent chapter marked by injury, confusion, and emotional distress.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news The standout talent was slapped with a four-year suspension by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) in March 2022 after testing positive for Boldenone and its metabolites.These substances are classified as performance enhancers.Rising Stars midfielder addresses team misgivings on the big stageThe ruling came after the Sports Disputes Tribunal, chaired by Elynah Sifuna-Shiveka, found his story “plausible” but still held him responsible for failing to declare the medication administered to him and for ultimately enhancing his performance.“This story began while we were in an away match at Nzoia Sugar. When we arrived, I noticed the guy who was supposed to play number 6 did not come. Then I was told that he was sick. I automatically knew that I had to step up,” Osoko shared with Kona Flag.What followed was a derailing injury blow that would later snowball into a career-halting storm.##NAJAVA_MECA_8910057##“During the game, in the fifth minute, an opponent fell on my knee, which already had an injury, and I got injured again. The team doctor came, injected me, and I was removed from the pitch. That night, I barely slept,” he continued.Unable to recover for the next fixture against Kakamega Homeboyz, Osok followed the doctor’s advice to rest.Days later, he returned to training and received a second injection from the same doctor.Between Thursday 22 and Tuesday 27 December, he stayed home, recovering. Then came the knock on the door from ADAK.Kenyan defender to leave League One side“On January 12, the doping team came and took a sample. On January 27, they came for another one, which I willingly gave. In March, they told me they found a substance in my system. I panicked and called the doctor. I was supposed to go for surgery that week,” he recalled.ADAK offered him a plea deal to accept guilt and serve a two-year suspension. Osok refused to plead guilty, instead submitting documentation from the team doctor to the tribunal.“At that time, a lot was happening in the team. The management had changed. I used to go to court alone. The doctor would come sometimes. I even went to FKF for guidance. They gave me a lawyer, but he kept asking for money,” he offered.##NAJAVA_MECA_8910371##The legal battle dragged on, further diminishing his hopes. His contract with Tusker expired during the suspension period, and the club opted not to renew it until the matter was resolved.“If not for the ban, I know Tusker would have kept me. My mother was under pressure and she kept crying. I could not do anything football-related. Mentally, I was in chaos. I couldn’t even attend matches,” he revealed.Despite the challenging period, the talented midfielder-cum-striker refuses to let the ban define his story. He is optimistic that someday he will fulfill his national team dream.“I am optimistic that I will be back. That was the most challenging part of my career. I would not even wish it on my worst enemy. My friends and brothers were very supportive, even financially. I’m now very ready. I’m just waiting for the ban to end. If any team gives me a chance, I’ll do my best. I still hope for a national team call-up,” he said.Osok’s journey in football began at Nairobi Stima before stints at Gor Mahia, KCB (on loan), Sofapaka, and Wazito. He later played in Zambia for Kitwe United before returning to Kenya with Tusker under coach Robert Matano. While in the club, he helped them clinch the 2020/21 Premier League title.
