dyton mupawaenda
Latwell Nyangu
Zimbabwe’s Strongwoman Chido Maenzanise is disappointed after missing out on a Zambian competition due to sponsorship challenges.
She was invited by Zambia Strong Man and Woman which were held from August 24 to 26.
An invitation letter from Zambia Strongman Federation president Patterson Mukondiwa said Chido was expected in Zambia on August 23.
The competition came after Zimbabwe held their first edition in May.
“You are invited in Zambia from August 23 to 26.
“You will be responsible for all your expenses,” states the letter.
However, Chido was hit hard by lack of sponsorship.
“I was invited to Zambia to represent Zimbabwe but I couldn’t go because of lack of sponsorship.
“Sadly my journey is to end up in world’s competition in United States of America and I am the only Zimbabwean invited there.
“All my paper work is in order; I have my visa already but no one is chipping in to support.
“I was also invited in Rwanda and they were waiting for me after the Zambian trip but all hopes gone.
“I was also expecting to get some support from our federation but everything is a brickwall.”
Maenzanise last year won a bronze medal at the African Strongman Championship that was held in Zambia.
In May, Chido came fourth during the inaugural Zimbabwe Strongman competitions.
She participated alongside Zambia’s and Africa’s strongwomen.
She vowed to pioneer the sport among other women.
“What is hitting us hard and taking us back is lack of sponsorship.
“Imagine failing to just go to Zambia next door, how about the USA?
“We need to be serious with this sport if we are to match other countries.
“Let’s support each other.”
The strongwoman, who trains in power-lifting and strength wars and challenges, can lift up to 350kgs of weights at once.
She trains three hours every day, increasing to five hours when competition is imminent.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter