Online Reporter
By Tendai Chara
Zimpapers Sports Hub
NGQABUTHO Mbane, who hails from Gwanda, was the biggest winner at this year’s Mr Novice body-building contest, taking both the Senior Men and Classic Physique titles.
The beginner-level contest was held at the Zimbabwe College of Music on Saturday.
Mbane’s victories mark a milestone both for the athlete and for his home region, which has steadily built a reputation for producing determined competitors despite limited resources.
He impressed the panel of judges with his muscular symmetry, crisp conditioning and confident stage presence.
Mbane dedicated his victory to his peers in Gwanda.
“First and foremost, my victories are proof that national titles are attainable even for athletes training outside the traditional urban stronghold,” he said. “Winning in Harare will serve as a morale boost for people living outside the big towns.”
With the right guidance and continued work on muscle maturity and refinement, Mbane could become a regular contender on the national stage. In the Men’s Fitness division, Tinashe Mukere of Invictus Gym (Harare) took the top spot, blending muscular development with a confident, well-choreographed routine that clearly impressed the judges.
Albert Musarurwa of Pulse Fitness Gym (Harare) captured first place in the Junior Men’s Body-building (up to under-21) category, with a poised presentation and balanced muscularity for his age group.
Tapiwanashe Dahwa (Body-size Gym, Manicaland) secured second, with Lincoln Chipoya (UZ Gym, Harare) finishing third.
In an inspirational display, Takura Tinashe of Metro (Harare) took first place in the Disabled Men’s Body-building division. His performance highlighted the inclusive spirit of the sport and reinforced that body-building remains accessible and empowering for athletes of all abilities.
The Men’s Physique contest saw fierce competition and tight judging, with Nomater Chitemba of Invictus Gym (Harare) emerging victorious with a stand-out package of structure, conditioning and stage charisma. Close behind was Tinashe Mukere (Invictus Gym, Harare).
In the Senior Men’s Body-building division, which was won by Mbane, Takudzwa Masango (Fitness First, Harare) came second, while Tatenda Marebesayi (Fusion Fitness Gym, Harare) earned third place.
Quiet Shangai, secretary-general of the National Federation of Zimbabwe Body-building and Fitness, said he was impressed by the outcome of the competition.
“I am particularly pleased with the outcome of our development agenda. In 2025, we trained nine judges, and these judges were the ones that came up with the winners. Everybody is agreeable with what the judges came up with,” Shangai said.
