malvernmugadzikwa
Tinashe Kusema
THE National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness (NFZBF) appears to have a love-hate relationship with one of its most cherished competitions — the Ironman Classic.
Once revered among the country’s big three, alongside the Marume Classic and the Zimbabwe National Open, the competition seems to have slipped down the pecking order.
The latest information from the federation is that this year’s edition, originally pencilled in for August 24, has been cancelled.
“There will be no Ironman festival this year as the show has been officially cancelled,” said NFZBF secretary-general Quiet Shangai.
“While it is still very much an important show, one we hoped to see return, it is no longer what we call a high-priority show.
“It is not easy to get sponsors and we resolved that every little bit of support that we can get is best channelled towards the nationals.
“We need to have a big nationals event in November, and we also have to plan for some activities for our athletes after that.”
Shangai said their resolution at a recent congress was that the high-priority competitions were the Novice, the Zimbabwe Open and at least three provincial shows.
“This is what we are focusing on, and I can confirm that the Manicaland Open, Harare Classic and the Bulawayo Open will indeed go ahead as planned,” he said.
“We hope to add a Midlands show and, of course, the Marume Classic. We have not abandoned the Ironman show. We just do not want to have the show for the sake of doing it.”
With the Ironman off the plate, attention now turns to the provincial shows, starting with the Marume Classic on September 30.
The Bulawayo Open and Manicaland show will be held on October 26 and November 6, respectively.
The federation seems to have prioritised the Zimbabwe Open, which will be held on November 23 in the capital.
The federation have invited esteemed judges, El Monroe and Irma Botha, to officiate at the event.
“We have a big update as it pertains to the nationals, as we have invited El Monroe and Irma Botha to officiate at the event,” said Shangai.
“These two are highly rated and two of the top judges in the sport. They have graced some of the biggest events in the world and judge some of the biggest names.
“The two will be part of the judges’ panel and will use the occasion to assess some of our local officials.”
The nationals have already started attracting some of the biggest names in the sport, with the likes of Nigel Maphosa, Dumiso Dlodlo, Knowledge Mapfumo, Blessing Itayi Sithole, David Weir and Nomathamsanqa Phiri all confirmed.
Online Reporter