Mr Zimbabwe eyes Iron Man title

Mr Zimbabwe, Champion Chienderamwano, has set his sights on claiming the Mr Iron Man title when the event goes down in Kadoma on September 5.

The Botswana-based muscleman will have to fight it out at Odyssey Hotel with the likes of defending champion Isaac “Sugar” Chimuchenga and current Mr Zimbabwe middleweight champion Blessing Samaringa.

The evergreen Eddie Marondera, the fast-improving Brighton Mazikana, Garikayi Mujuru and veteran Partson Chatedzuka have also confirmed their participation.

Rutendo Banda, who did very well in his first show at Mr and Miss Zim 2014, comes in as a dark horse together with the Kadoma-based Tapiwa Chibota who, when in shape, can hold his own.

In the junior section there is Ray Mutandiri, who is touted as the next big thing in local bodybuilding, while in the female’s category Regina Jonga, who has been winning in South Africa and has already qualified for next year’s Arnold Classics, is the odds-on favourite.

National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness spokesperson Quiet Shangai said they are expecting a quality field.

“The Mr and Miss Ironman is the second most prestigious event on the NFZBBF calendar after Mr and Miss Zimbabwe. Its past winners include Givemore Marume, Tendayi Chaipa, Zumailer Eusen Mamman, Paul Chidzero, Vincent Kandiyero, Isaac Chimuchenga, Walter Munyikwa, Christine Matange and Regina Jonga,” he said.

“This year the competition is happening on the 5th of September at the Odyssey in Kadoma under the theme ‘I am Zimstrong’.

“We are partnering Odyssey and PEPFAR in this event. The show is going to have six divisions namely senior men bodybuilding, junior men bodybuilding (Under 21), ladies’ figure, men fitness physique, disabled men bodybuilding and disabled female bodybuilding.

“The preparations are underway and 70 percent of the ground has been covered. The venue has been secured, most requirements purchased.

“We are looking forward to a better Ironman than last year considering that this year we managed to start the event promotion much earlier.”