Bhunu targets Novice Zim podium finish

Takudzwa Chitsiga

Sports Reporter

FORMER tennis player Velarie Bhunu is confident that she will leave a mark at the Mr and Ms Novice Zimbabwe 2024 at the Zimbabwe College of Music this afternoon.

She will contest in the Novice Bikini Model and has been training under Blessing “CC Banks” Sithole at Country Club Gym.

“I am looking forward to be on the stage for the first time and, as a novice, I am looking forward to learn more.

“I have always been an athlete and I am taking it as my other sport apart from tennis. I am not sure about the level of competition since it is my first time but I hope to do well.

“I have been training for the past three weeks and I am well-conditioned for the contests. The stage will give me confidence if I win in my first attempt.

“I am happy that my coach Sithole has been taking me through the basics and I think I am ready. I just decided to be part of the line-up so that I see how it goes,” said Bhunu.

The 29-year-old Bhunu has won two singles titles on the ITF Women’s Circuit and in November 2016, she reached her best singles ranking of world number 497.

On 21 November 2016, she peaked at number 534 in the doubles rankings.

In 2015, she played for Zimbabwe in the 2015 African Games in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo where she won the bronze medal in women’s singles and doubles.

The contests, which are for beginners, will have several categories lined up and will attract competitors from across all the provinces.

One of the competition organisers, Keith Chirimanzi said they are expecting a competitive event and urged participants to follow the stipulated rules of the competition.

“Participants are expected to exhibit a body that goes within the confines of a chosen category. We have body-building juniors and seniors, men’s physique, and women’s wellness.

“This being a novice competition, which is a show for first-timers we will do an athletes’ brief to assist them before they go on stage,” he said.