Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWEAN powerlifter Chido Maenzanise has made her country proud by winning gold at South Africa’s Strongest Man contest in Durban.
Maenzanise out-muscled over 20 athletes from Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa in a series of demanding events, including truck pulling, maximum deadlift, yoke and farmer’s walk medley, and log pulling.
That her path to becoming a powerlifting star was not easy puts the significance of Maenzanise’s triumph into perspective.
As a young girl, she was teased for her muscular stature, which led to low self-esteem.
However, after being advised by a local fitness coach to take up fitness training, she discovered her passion for powerlifting.
Maenzanise, who has also been calling for more women’s participation in the sport, was naturally happy with her feat.
“I am delighted with such an achievement, I looked forward to this competition but did not imagine bringing home gold,” she said.
“Not that I underestimate myself but sometimes we have to look at a whole lot of other factors like preparations and facilities, among other things.”
Maenzanise hails from Highfield where she spends her day in personal training with unconventional equipment like makeshift weights and disused tyres.
It is in these dusty streets where her journey began, years ago. Due to the body-shaming she endured in early life, Maenzanise had low self-esteem and would spend most of her time shying away from people.
It was not until one day that a local fitness coach advised her to consider fitness training, a “sport” that eventually led her to powerlifting.
Now aged 30, Maenzanise boasts of a colourful cabinet with more than 10 gold medals, 2 silver and an equal number of bronze.
“The journey has never been easy, sometimes I even fail to travel or to raise participation fees for some of the events,” she said.
“I am grateful that this time the Government and corporate (Kambucha) came to my rescue.”
Maenzanise’s journey has been ridiculed with countless challenges ranging from stigma to financial constraints.
Locally, Powerlifting is overseen by the Zimbabwe Powerlifting Federation, which also registered with the Sports and Recreation Commission.
However, the frequency of powerlifting competitions in the country is limited, primarily due to the significant expenses associated with organizing such events.
As a result, for Maenzanise to gain exposure and accolades, she either has to participate in other nations’ competitions or wait a long time to participate locally.
Currently, Zimbabwe boasts only three female powerlifters, with at least eight recognised male counterparts.
This highlights the relatively small community of powerlifters in the nation.
Maenzanise, like the other powerlifters has no access to specialised training under a qualified coach. Instead, she has to largely rely on individual training or get assistance from her counterparts.
“I sometimes have to use makeshift weights and discarded tyres for powerful flips and drags, heavy rocks for overhead presses and scrap metal as dumb-bells,” she said.
Ahead of the recent competition, Maenzanise spent weeks training rigorously, as she anticipated fierce competition from some seasoned regional athletes.
After winning gold, the powerlifter has shifted focus. Now she is back to the demanding schedule as she prepares for yet another contest, the “Fittest Woman 2025.”
Scheduled for Botswana on August 2, Maenzanise will take part in the Farmers’ Walk, Tyre Flip, Squats, Small Car Push, Load and Push, and Bucket and Object hold.
“I have to remain focused, there is no time to celebrate so I am already back in training for my upcoming competition in Botswana in August.
“However, I am still struggling to put together the finances for travel, accommodation and participation . . . I just hope I will be able to come up with the money,” she said.
