Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira [email protected]
BODYBUILDER Tinotenda Ryan Gumbo is looking to build on his winning return to competitive action when he takes to the stage at the Muscle Mulisha Grand Prix in Durban, South Africa, on 19 September.
Gumbo made an impressive comeback at the Alex Classic last weekend, winning the Men’s Physique category after spending two years away from competitive bodybuilding.
The victory has given the Fitness First Gym athlete renewed confidence as he prepares for another demanding international stage at the 10th edition of the Muscle Mulisha Grand Prix.
The Durban event will be staged at the prestigious iZulu Theatre at Sibaya Casino in Umhlanga and marks the first time the competition is being held in KwaZulu-Natal.
For Gumbo, it represents another important step in his return to the sport and an opportunity to test himself against a strong field.
“I am excited about the recent win having spent two years without competing. The body had some rust, so I had to dig deep to bring my best,” said Gumbo.
“The victory means a lot to me and my sponsors Trysupps. So I am now waiting for the Durban tournament on September 19.”
At the Alex Classic, Gumbo finished ahead of Blessing Itai Sithole, who was second, while Bennon Nyoni took third place.
The victory was particularly significant given the length of his absence from competition.
Gumbo had stepped away from the stage while pursuing his studies in Cape Town, South Africa, but his passion for bodybuilding remained intact.
His return is now gathering momentum, with the Durban competition providing an opportunity to measure his progress against a wider international field.
The Muscle Mulisha Grand Prix has established itself as an important platform on the NPC Worldwide and IFBB Pro League pathway, giving athletes an opportunity to compete for titles while also pursuing bigger opportunities in the sport.
For Gumbo, the long-term ambition remains securing an IFBB Pro card, something he has narrowly missed on previous occasions.
He came close in 2022 before another near-miss in 2023, when he won the Men’s Physique Open Class E category at the Muscle Mulisha Grand Prix Pro Qualifier in Johannesburg.
That class victory demonstrated his ability to compete at a high level, although the overall title and pro-card opportunity went to another athlete.
Rather than allowing those setbacks to define his journey, Gumbo has used them as motivation.
Now, after two years away and a successful return at the Alex Classic, he has another opportunity to continue that pursuit.
His preparation for Durban is therefore about more than simply following up on a recent victory. It is about gradually rebuilding competitive sharpness and putting himself in the best possible position for the challenges ahead.
The Alex Classic provided the first indication that his return is on the right track. Durban will offer a bigger test.
