Heavyweight men’s line-up for Mr ZITF

Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
AN intriguing battle is in store at Bulawayo Theatre on Saturday when some of best male bodybuilders in the country go on stage at the Mr Zimbabwe International Trade contest.

Defending champion, South Africa-based Ndumiso Dlodlo, 2016 Mr Zimbabwe Paul Goredema, five times in a row Mr Bulawayo Lovemore Munyamana, Blessing Nyapimbi of Marondera and Thembinkosi Lunga are some of the top men who will line up in the senior men bodybuilding.

National Federation of Zimbabwe Body Building and Fitness secretary general Quiet Shangai said they were delighted with preparations for the event which is promoted by Simon Gama.

“We are happy with the competition which is promoted by Simon Gama, the president and myself will be there. We hope that in future that can be a qualifier for the Arnold Classic competition together with our provincial competitions,’’ Shangai said.

Other categories to be competed for are men’s physique, men’s fitness, women beach bikini, wheelchair men bodybuilding, junior men bodybuilding Under-23.

In the women beach bikini, some of those competing are Shantel Greenland, last year’s winner Mitchell Matsito, Sinini Nxumalo and Loreen Moyo.

Shangai sought to give an explanation as to what they look for when they are judging in bodybuilding. Most of the times, fans do not agree with the decisions of the judges as they feel that a certain athlete should have won.

“In bodybuilding we access the degree of symmetry, degree of proportion, balance, muscle development, muscle definition.”

Earlier on in the day, muscled men will get to prove their strength when they compete in the Mr Strongman Challenge at the ZITF Main Arena. Last year’s winner, Gift Sango who is based in Botswana and runner up Prosper Saungweme might not compete this year which would give an opportunity to others to walk away with the top prize.

PPC Zimbabwe have provided prizes for the bodybuilding and Mr Strongman Challenge.

This is the second year that the cement manufacturing company has sponsored the two competitions.

Gama expressed his appreciation to PPC Zimbabwe as well as other sponsors who have chipped in to ensure that the two events are a success.

“We are really grateful to PPC Zimbabwe who have provided all the prizes. Proton, Body Works Gym, Star Distributors, Veezed, United Refineries, Muscle Rage and Leapmed Logistics who have also assisted us,’’ Gama said.

Black Umfolosi and Sandra Ndebele will provide entertainment during the show.-@Mdawini_29