Mahlangu heads bodybuilding in Mat South

Sports Correspondent
MR ZITF Musclemania 2010 Ntokozo Mahlangu has been given the mandate to set up bodybuilding structures in Matabeleland South as the National Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness of Zimbabwe moves in to revive the sport throughout the country.Mahlangu, who is based in Gwanda, said he is eager to play a role in developing the sport after holding several shows to ignite interest in bodybuilding in the Matabeleland South capital.

Formerly based in Bulawayo, Mahlangu moved to Gwanda last year and has been making efforts to have more people take part in the sport.
He held the Mr Captain Die Hard last year and plans are afoot for hosting a Mr Gwanda contest in August.

Mahlangu said he felt honoured to be given the role of leading the province and would put all efforts in turning around the fortunes of the sport in the province.

“At the moment, I am the only person in the committee but I will soon be incorporating others with interest in the sport. I will be travelling across the province to assess the state of the sport and encourage more people to join the sport,” he said.

Mahlangu said the national executive was supportive and believed this would ensure more events are done throughout the country.

He said involving other partners to assist athletes would also be key in the revival of the sport.

“I am aware of the challenges facing the sport and I feel I am up to the task of making a difference in bodybuilding. I have been involved in bodybuilding for close to 20 years now and I believe my passion will push me to work harder and make the necessary changes,” said Mahlangu.

The national executive is led by Kenny Murungwani with Godfrey Nyoni as the vice-president.

Isaac Ziyavaya is the secretary deputised by Tofara Moyo and Prince Mugeyi is the treasurer while Givemore Marume is the representative for male bodybuilders and Precious Mujuru represents the females.

Provincial representatives who sit on the board include Harare chairman, Keith Chirimanzi, Guy Ngwarati (Mashonaland West), Mahlangu (Matabeleland South), Simon Gama (Bulawayo) and Farai Verenga, the Mashonaland East chairman.

Mr and Ms Iron Man are set to be held on 14 June in Kadoma, where members of the executive would be formally introduced.

NFBFZ spokesman Quiet Shangai said they were spreading the sport countrywide hence the decision to host Mr Ironman in Kadoma.

“It is critical that we all have the same goal to promote our sport and give the athletes the best environment for them to prosper. I believe experienced athletes should always give back to the sport to ensure the prosperity of sports,” said Mahlangu.

The bodybuilder was crowned Mr Matabeleland in 2011 and took part in Mr Iron Man the same year, finishing in the top six.