dyton mupawaenda
Takudzwa Chitsiga-Sports Reporter
THE sixth edition of the Marume Classic set for Zimbabwe College of Music on September 28 will have a host of foreign bodybuilders.
At least 100 bodybuilders, among them South Africa-based Zimbabweans, Zambians and Malawians are expected to take to the podium at this year’s event.
The Marume Classic is one of the country’s biggest competitions and has become one of the most sought-after bodybuilding contests on the domestic front.
Zambians Mutinta Muzambalika and Amon Mugala, Malawian top bodybuilders — Bruce John and Chipiliro Maxwell — have also been lined up to battle for silverware.
They are expected to be accompanied by their local federation president Benny Phiri, secretary-general Aaron Simwaka and Jennifer Pio as the women representative.
But it will not be an easy ride for visitors as they are expected to face stiff competition from local hulks who include Blessing Itai Sithole, Yeukai Midzi and Gideon Teguru.
Tournament organiser, Givemore Marume, is happy to host the competition and is expecting a tough battle from the athletes.
“The preparations are going on very well so far, I’m quite excited that the tournament will have athletes from outside Zimbabwe.
“I think their participation is going to open more avenues for us at the Marume Classic, it shows that we are a brand that is now recognised in the region, which was the main objective when we established the competition.
“I’m happy that my main sponsor for the event, Saltrama Plastics, has remained with us, giving me the much needed support.
“We haven’t lost most the sponsors as well since we started the show and these include Premier Guest Lodge, Arc 360 Branding and Diamond Pharmacies.
“We also have the new sponsors coming on board, who are Govasberg Bus Services and Tile and Carpets who are coming on board, so the family is growing bigger, that makes us happy.”
Last year’s edition saw Noah Dzvokora winning the Senior Men Bodybuilding title ahead of Francis Tatanca Chideme and Aaron Musarurwa, who placed second and third.
In the women Bikini Fitness and Women Wellness categories saw Zambian female bodybuilder Martha Ngoma winning the doubles title ahead of Yeukai Midzi and Mitchel Chivake, who came second and third.
Amon Mugaza and Shadreck Mwaba, both from Zambia, won gold and silver in the Men’s Physique.
The Junior Men Bodybuilding gong was won by James Tashera, Musarurwa took silver while Prince Moyo claimed the last podium slot.
Online Reporter