Suwali gets a lift ahead of Mr Mufakose contest

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter

VETERAN bodybuilder Masiye Suwali got a timely boost ahead of his Mr Mufakose Masters bodybuilding title defence after New Horizon Pharmacy and Papa Tee Butcheries pledged to sponsor him for the next three months.

Suwali who has been in the gym for close to four decades now will be on stage at this year’s Mr and Ms Mufakose competition set for September 23.

Having been born and bred in Mufakose, Suwali enjoys good support in the suburb.

The hulk, who was once part of late music legend Oliver Mtukudzi’s security team said he is already working towards defending his title.

“I am still going strong and I am happy that I have found some partners ahead of the upcoming two contests that I will take part in.

“I will be on the stage in the masters’ category and I am happy that several partners are coming on board,” Suwali said.

“I have been engaged by New Horizon Pharmacy as well as Papa Tee Butchery who are helping during preparations. New Horizon have pledged 30kgs of supplements every month while Papa Tee have offered 10kg of meat for me.

“There is also an arrangement with Metro Gym which will see me using their gym and it is a plus for me.

“When I used to do sessions at our gym we used some pounds but now I will be using kgs. I am grateful to the Mufakose community who have supported me a lot and they are still behind my name.”

Mufakose is a suburb that is also known in bodybuilding circles for having produced some greats who include Innocent Choga and the late George Takundwa.

Choga won the prestigious Mr Zimbabwe title on six occasions and is a National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness Hall of Famer.

Takundwa won the Mr Ironman title seven times and also clinched the Mr Rhodesia title on five occasions.

He competed in the Mr Universe in South Africa in 1980 and also at the World Championships in Egypt two years later

Amongst his collection of awards and certificates include Mr Mufakose 1999 and first position in the Senior Men Masters Over at the IBFF Zimbabwe Classic 2016.

Suwali who came third in the 2019 Zimbabwe Classic senior men category is hoping to leave his own mark in the sport too.

He would, however, have to aim for more than just the Mr Mufakose title.