Online Reporter
Tendai Chara, Zimpapers Sports Hub
NOAH Dzvokora closed his season in emphatic style in Victoria Falls, powering to the Senior Men’s Bodybuilding title at the 2025 Hwange Colliery Company Zimbabwe Nationals. Ronald Manjoro matched that dominance in the junior ranks, giving the sport two champions who look a cut above the rest.
The Zim Nationals, the biggest event on the local bodybuilding calendar, attracted a record 90 contestants, surpassing last year’s 70 and setting the stage for a long, competitive night as athletes showcased months of hard work.
Dzvokora arrived as the man to beat after lifting the Harare Classic in October — and he delivered again. His latest triumph came with a US$5 000 purse, on top of the US$3 000 he pocketed in the capital. He brushed aside a determined field that included defending champion Gedion Teguru, who also lost to him at the Harare Classic and settled for third. Nigel Maphosa claimed second place, while two-time national light heavyweight champion Edward Mutero finished fourth.
Manjoro continued his perfect run for the year. The Harare and Manicaland Classics junior champion completed a clean sweep with another commanding performance. He even cracked the senior top six — a result that earned him extra prize money and underlined how fast he is rising.
International judge Bernard Groenewald of South Africa led the five-man panel tasked with separating close battles across several categories. In the Men’s Physique Open division, Blessing “CC Banks” Sithole reinforced his dominance after ruling both the Harare and Manicaland Classics earlier in the season. Zvishavane’s Blessing Korai kept her momentum too, taking the Women’s Wellness Fitness title ahead of Nicola Gwindingwi after beating her in Mutare on November 1.
For the first time, cash prizes went to all athletes who placed in the top six — a move that gave the contest a welcome boost and added to the sense that the sport is gaining traction.
National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness technical director Givemore Marume, a four-time Mr Zimbabwe champion, expressed his delight:
“First and foremost, I am overjoyed by the fact that we broke the record for the highest number of contestants. All I can say is that the contest was an excellent show.”
