Nyamandi crowned Mr Mufakose

Takudzwa Chitsiga

Sports Reporter

LLOYD Nyamandi won the Mr Mufakose senior men body-building contest after he got the better of nine other contestants who took to the podium at Rutendo Hall in Harare’s high-density suburb of Mufakose on Saturday.

Nyamandi managed to beat Munashe Mutini into second place.

Mutini also came out third in the Men’s Physique. Nyamandi said he was happy to have won the district event and now looks forward to more national tournaments.

“I am very happy to have won this contest which was very tough. I am grateful to the organisers who brought up the event. We had several athletes from Mufakose and we are proud that the event returned after it was last held in 2008.

“The contest is good for us upcoming body-builders as it gives us exposure. I worked hard for the event and my aim is to take part in the upcoming national events.

“The contest helps us as youths to stay away from drugs,” said Nyamandi.

The contest was hailed by former bodybuilders who believe district events should be celebrated and get more support.

Munashe Manyumbu was third as Simbarashe Kabade was fourth. The junior men title was won by Richard Magweba ahead of Claude Andrea who was second. The Masters crown was won by veteran body-builder Musiye Suwali who was ahead of Peter Titom. Men’s fitness pysique title was won by Francois Nyashanu.

Veteran fitness trainer George Masters said this was an opportunity for young athletes to shine.

“I swept Mufakose gym with passion,” said Masters with a smile. “We had what we called Boys Clubs and we were products of these clubs. Zaremba (Muzondiwa) was one of our mentors from Mbare and we had our own greats in Mufakose.”

“If you look at Alexandra Banya, George Takundwa, Elvis Chibhamu, George Munyoro, Innocent Choga, Givemore Marume and others, they are all products of these district shows.

“We must have more of these district shows in order to keep away our youths from drugs and also develop this sport we all love,” said Masters.

Veteran administrator, Ibrahim Moosa, concurred with Masters when he argued that critical mass can only be achieved when district shows are alive.

“Today we are celebrating the return of arguably the most productive district show of them all,” said Moosa.