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Sports Reporter
REIGNING Mr Ironman, Vincent Kandiyero is ready to defend his title at the 2014 edition of the contest scheduled for Kadoma on Saturday.In an interview yesterday, Kandiyero said he has been working hard in the gym to defend the title and felt he is ready to ward off any competition.
“I am more than ready to defend my title as I have been putting in lots of hours in the gym preparing to retain it. I am not scared of any competition but I want to show them what I am made of,” he said.
Kandiyero beat a strong field of contenders last year to win the title and will be hoping to retain it this year.
The National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness received sponsorship from Kadoma-based company, Odyssey Hospitality and Showbiz who availed a $10,000 prize money.
NFZBF spokesperson, Quiet Shangai was happy with the gesture and said they were also looking forward to more funding from the Kadoma community.
“There are several individuals in Kadoma who have pledged to support us financially and we will be liaising with them before Saturday.
Once we have received all the funds we are then going to set the prizes for the winners. There are also electrical household goods that are going to be won such as fridges and television sets,” he said.
Hardwork Bhera of Odyssey said they felt compelled to support the sport as it had been neglected and lacked funding.
“Our aim is to ensure minority sports that have great potential are given the resources for them to prosper because we realised such sports like bodybuilding are looked down upon but I think we have the potential of building champions in the sport.
“While we have come up with a budget of $10,000 we are still mobilising more resources and by the time the event is held on Saturday it is our hope that we would have surpassed that amount,” he said.
Miss Iron Lady, Regina Jonga also confirmed that she would be defending her title while Mr Ironman Junior, Donald Maphosa will not be contesting as he is now above the age limit and is also taking a sabbatical to work on his physique as he enters the senior category.
Bulawayo-based bodybuilder, Mike Alimu said he would be taking part in the event and is hoping for a top 10 finish.
“There has not been any activity this year and it is the first competition so I want gauge myself using this contest. I have been training hard and I want to better the number nine I took last year at the same event,” he said.
Meanwhile, there are five categories this year, namely bodybuilding senior men, bodybuilding junior men, female bodybuilding, male fitness physique and female fitness figure.
“We introduced the fitness categories at the Mr Harare 2012 and Mr Zimbabwe 2013 and they proved very popular among contestants hence our decision to extend it to Mr Ironman.
“The category is different from the bodybuilding one because it is relates more to a well toned body and not big and muscular figure,” said Shangai.
At least 75 contestants are expected to compete in all five categories.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter