Givemore Marufu to defend title

Danisa Masuku Sports correspondent
REIGNING national Mr Zimbabwe Republic Police bodybuilding Givemore Marufu believes perseverance is the pathway of champions. After failing to land the ZRP title twice in succession, the Bulawayo-based police officer never gave up, but worked hard until he was rewarded with the crown last year.

Marufu first competed in the Mr ZRP bodybuilding contest in 2013 and emerged a distant 13th in a field of 20 contestants. He returned to the gym and put on more hard work complemented by a balanced diet. He was duly rewarded by securing the first runner-up spot in 2014.

Last year, Marufu’s perseverance was rewarded when he shrugged off stiff competition from 19 other contestants to scoop the big one. He has already started working towards retaining the Mr ZRP when the pageant is held in August during the Commissioner’s Sports Gala in Harare.

“I’m working hard at the gym and am confident that with the help of seasoned trainer Simon Gama, I’ll retain the title,” said Marufu.

He said he would use the forthcoming Mr Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) at the end of this month to gauge his chances of retaining the Mr ZRP crown.

In preparation for the Mr ZITF, Marufu said his main focus was on maintaining muscle tone.

“My focus is on eliminating fat and water in my body and at the same time maintaining muscle. I’m careful of what I eat and stick to high protein foods like grilled chicken breast and brown rice. I take green tea in the morning before I eat anything and also in the evening before I retire to bed,” he said.

Marufu spoke strongly against the use of supplements. “Bodybuilders must avoid supplements because they’ve lots of side effects such as blood clotting or severe headaches,” he said.