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Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
FITNESS instructor Simon Gama is set to expand his horizon in the field after landing a post at an international gym in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Gama was recruited by one of the top gym in Dubai, Fitness Factory Gym owned by Khalid Aldharahera, one of the best coaches in that country. The Sunday News fitness columnist said he is on a three-month contract after which the company will negotiate for a longer term stay.
“Aldharahera went on a recruitment drive seeking the best instructors he has come across the world as there are coaches from other countries such as Tanzania and Pakistan. I am under probation and during this period they will assess my work and if they are happy they are going to offer me a two-year contract. Being here is an eye opener as I meet various coaches from all over the world and we exchange ideas on the sport but also being exposed to new and different trends and techniques will certainly help me grow as an instructor,” he said.
Gama revealed Dubai is trying to improve bodybuilding as a sport so they are taking the best coaches to teach their people. He said his first experience in Dubai was in 2010 when he travelled to attend a bodybuilding competition and that is when he first met Aldharahera whom he later met in South Africa.
“Zimbabwe bodybuilding is rated as one of best in Africa and I have been invited to Jordan by one of the best fitness trainers who wants to open a gym soon. I will make a one-month trip there. I’m just settling in right now and hope to make the most of the time I am here,” he said.
The 39-year-old fitness trainer has won several titles locally and had the chance to coach several bodybuilders.
He was born in Rusape, grew up in Kadoma where he did his primary education at Waverlyand Nyazura schools before moving to Munyaradzi High. He began bodybuilding in 1995 in Kadoma winning Mr Kadoma Junior at 15 years to become Zimbabwe’s youngest ever bodybuilder.
“I won four titles in Kadoma before moving to Bulawayo in 1999. I was a soccer player by then playing for Rio Tinto. I came to try my luck at ZimSaints as a goalkeeper.
“I left soccer and to work at Hustlers as entertainment manager. But I was still doing bodybuilding winning Mr Byo Junior twice and Mr Byo Senior 2001 to 2005. I competed in SA in 2008 and 2009 coming in as runner up.”
He started his own competition Mr ZITF sponsored by Hustlers that time in 2009 and has grown to be one of the biggest local competitions with local cement manufacturer PPC Zimbabwe now the main sponsors of the competition that also includes Mr Strongman.
Bongani Ndlovu