adminRicky Zililo Sports Reporter
FORMER Mr Bulawayo Ntokozo Mahlangu is set to host Mr Captain Die Hard bodybuilding contest in Gwanda today. The competition is expected to increase the profile of the sport in the Matabeleland South capital with bodybuilders mainly from Bulawayo expected to take part.
The event will be held at Gwanda District Club and will be graced by reigning Mr Zimbabwe, Champion Mbewe. Mahlangu said there were few bodybuilders in Gwanda most of whom were yet to gain confidence hence none from the area are likely to participate.
He said because of lack of funds the event would only feature one category.
“I managed to get sponsorship from some companies, Caltex, Oasis Hardware and Furniture and the Gwanda Mayor, Knowledge Ndlovu. This enabled me to have monetary prizes that include $300 first prize, $200 for the second best bodybuilder and the third will get $100. There are also some consolation prizes.
“I am hoping to get more sponsorship in the future and will use this competition to market the sport,” he said.
Mahlangu said Mbewe’s presence is likely to add flavour to the competition although he will not be taking part.
The National Association of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness president, Otis Goredema said they were pleased with the efforts Mahlangu was making in uplifting the sport in the small town.
He said the move was encouraging as it showed that people with a passion for the sport could make a big difference in improving its fortunes.
“It is good to see there are some people who are not just all talk but put their money where their mouth is. Holding the show will assist us to decentralise bodybuilding rather than just having contests in Bulawayo and Harare.
“This will encourage others who want to take up the sport in Gwanda. I urge other bodybuilders to emulate him and work towards improving the sport,” he said.
Mahlangu believes that the sport can only thrive if experienced athletes give back through organising contests. Goredema said the presence of Sugar Sugar, a former Mr Botswana and reigning Mr Zimbabwe, Mbewe, is likely to increase interest in the event. He said the two bodybuilding luminaries would likely draw future champions to the game.
He said they would be sending representatives to the show as a way of giving moral support to the event adding it was unfortunate they would not be able to extend financial support to the event.
Mahlangu, who hails from Gwanda, moved to Bulawayo three years ago due to lack of adequate gyms in the town. He said he plans to open up a new gym in the town that would cater for aspiring bodybuilders and other health enthusiasts.
Mahlangu has won Mr Gwanda since 2004 and also took part in several editions of ZITF Musclemania, winning the competition in 2010.
He was also crowned Mr Matabeleland in 2011 and took part in Mr Iron Man of the same year, finishing in the top six.
Online Reporter