Mr and Ms Mufakose back after 14 years

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter

AFTER a 14-year absence from the local bodybuilding calendar, the Mr and Ms Mufakose contest will return tomorrow afternoon with several events lined-up at Rutendo Hall in Mufakose.

The contest, which has given prominence to many athletes, will have Mr Mufakose Junior, Senior, Masters, the Bikini Modelling and Fitness Physique categories.

Going by the theme “Fighting Drug Abuse Through Sport in Mufakose”, the contest is expected to return with an impressive cast who will go on to take part in upcoming national events.

One of the event’s organisers, Muchada Mutini, said they were confident of hosting a successful contest as athletes have shown a positive response by registering in time.

“We are ready to host the Mr and Ms Mufakose bodybuilding contest and we are grateful with the support we have got from both the community and corporate sponsors. So far, everything is on point and we are just waiting for the day which is on Saturday (tomorrow).

“The committee which we have established comprising of Tendai Mukariri, Clide Mutero and Masiye Suwali worked tirelessly to see this programme go ahead. Our aim is to promote a drug free generation through participation in sports,” said Mutini.

Mutini said the contest has got participants from Budiriro, Kuwadzana, Warren Park, Kambuzuma, Highfield and Mbare coming on board.

“Mr Mufakose is an Open contest and will have athletes from a number of high-density suburbs in Harare. The event will run under the theme: “Say No to Drugs”. As a community, we’re facing challenges with illicit drugs. We want to take youths out of drugs through sport and modelling.

“We also want to make this an annual event. It was last held in 2008, but due to economic challenges and the Covid-19 pandemic, it was suspended. A healthy body brings a healthy mind,” said Mutini.

Mufakose, as a suburb, has brought on board several top athletes like former wrestler Oliver Tengende, Innocent Choga, George Takundwa and Elvis Chibhamu, among several others, who went on to make a name for themselves locally and internationally.