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MANNING Rangers star left winger Jerome McCarthy's faltering career hit another snag this week when a South African Football Association disciplinary committee found him guilty of testing positive for a banned substance.

McCarthy, who is the elder brother of Bafana Bafana striking sensation Benni, was fined R10 000 and 30 hours of community service by a Safa tribunal on Thursday following a brief appearance.

The older McCarthy's career has not really taken off after he failed to make the grade at several PSL sides including Kaizer Chiefs, the defunct Cape Town Spurs and Santos. He also had a spell in the United States.

McCarthy has to pay the fine Safa imposed on him on or before March 20 and the player should also complete his community service duties before the same date.

However, the player was not totally off the hook as he will be hauled over the coals by his team on Wednesday to answer charges, among others, of bringing the team into disrepute.

Rangers director Param Joseph said serious steps will be taken against the player if he is found guilty of the charges against him.

According to Drug Free Sport CEO Daphne Bradbury, McCarthy was examined in a random test usually done at Premier Soccer League matches by her organisation on November 27. Rangers beat Hellenic 3-1 in that game.

Bradbury said McCarthy, popularly known as "Guv'nor", tested positive for a banned substance called Fencamfamine, a performance enhancing stimulant found in Reactivan.

Safa CEO Albert Mokoena said he was happy with the verdict and the sentence passed on the Cape Town-born player.

Mokoena said the former Kaizer Chiefs, Santos and Hampton Road Mariners (USA) player will be sent to an institution that deals with the rehabilitation of young drug addicts to offer motivational help.

"My office will determine which institution he will be sent to," said Mokoena.

"What will happen is that he will help with the rehabilitation of other youngsters who also have a similar problem of substance abuse.

"But, at the same time, he will also be placed under supervision to make sure he completes his time and becomes a better person."

McCarthy is the second player to to test positive for a banned substance in the PSL after former Wanderers goalkeeper Arthur Bartman.

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