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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
SIX bodybuilders will represent Bulawayo at the Zimbabwe National Bodybuilding and Fitness championship to be held tomorrow in Harare.
Prechard “Carter” Hoko, Tapiwa Zimhamba who will also participate in men’s physique. Wheelchair bodybuilders Lesley Gondo and Mugoni Chikove, junior competitor Darryl Ndlovu are some of the Bulawayo athletes who will seek to conquer at the national competition.
Organisers of the Zimbabwe National Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship have set aside US$12 000 prize money for the competitions.
Hoko said they have had to endure challenges which include coming up with proper protein rich diets for them to be in shape to compete in Harare.
“Bodybuilding is an expensive sport if you’re not financially stable or not having a good job. A day you need about US$15 to get anything rich in protein. Lack of sponsorship brought a bit of setbacks but everyone is looking sharp and ready,” said Hoko.
National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness secretary general Quiet Shangai said they are expecting interesting competition at this year’s edition.
“The preparations have been going very well and all our premium athletes have already confirmed their participation. We are very happy that for the first time we have managed to attract more individual and corporate partners who have availed their financial assistance towards the logistics and prizes of the tournament.
“We have managed to set aside US$12 000 as prize money for the winners in different categories. This is probably the biggest prize purse in the competition’s history and I think the package will help us attract more participants,” Shangai said.
Gweru-based Nigel “Spartan” Maphosa, Ndumiso Dlodlo, Big Mark Anthony Vassilatos, Tawanda Choga and Francis Tatenda Chideme are some of the renowned bodybuilders expected at tomorrow’s competition. – @ZililoR.
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