eBusiness Weekly
Chipo Sabeta
The National Federation of Zimbabwe Body-building and Fitness (NFZBBF) president Kenny Murungweni says lack of sponsorship has become the Achilles’ heel of growth and development.
Like many other sectors of the economy, small sports in Zimbabwe like body-building has been affected by the harsh economic environment with NFZBBF crying foul over lack of support from Government and corporate sponsorship.
Murungweni said NFZBBF is banking on donations and pledges to stage Mr Zimbabwe body-building contest tomorrow at Jubilee Hall in Milton Park.
A galaxy of top body-builders like Regina Jonga, Simba Mhaka, Hellen Costa, Precious Mujuru and Champion Chienderamwano are no longer competing in the country’s premier body-building contest, opting for regional and international shows with better financial rewards.
Mhaka and Jonga have been participating in international competitions under South Africa for the past two years.
Year 2017, Mr Zimbabwe second runner-up Garikai Mujuru shunned tomorrow’s event for Gentle Giant to be staged in South Africa next month.
Other top body-builders like former Mr Ironman Vincent Kandiero, two-time Mr Musclemania and professional Victor “The Beast” Hungwe have shelved local shows.
The local competitions have been marred by chaos as participants protested against the little prizes on offer which comprises of medals, gym subscription fees, supplements and food hampers.
This year, Mr Zimbabwe is bankrolled by principle sponsor, Royal Flair Events, who have provided prize money of over US$4 000 of the US$10 000 total from other well-wishers.
“Our major challenge is the financial side of things. Body-building has no sponsor at all, we survive on a hand-to-mouth basis which is by all means not ideal. Athletes have to fork out more considering that the sport is expensive during training and the diets involved.
“In some cases, we end up forfeiting certain regional and international competitions or sending a few athletes to represent the country,” Murungweni said.
Murungweni has been citing lack of sponsorship for its failure to host successful events and provide incentives for participants.
“Our local turn out is affected by the incentives on the table. So far, there is a helping hand from sponsors Cafe Nush and Confectioners, Food Lovers, St Elmos, Supplement Factory, Assegai Nutrition, Tram Graphics, Kingsport Investments, Crystal Candy and Timothy Samufukwe and doors are still open for those interested in supporting the contest.
“The preparations are underway and 80 percent of the ground has been covered. The venue has been secured while most requirements were purchased,’’ said Murungweni.
The contest begins at 7pm to 9pm and tickets will be sold on entrance at US$10.
“Registration will start today at Perspectives from 1000 hours and 1600 hours.”
Tomorrow, more than 100 contestants of the country’s best top muscle men will take to the stage and display their physiques for the Mr Zimbabwe crown.
South African-based and reigning Mr Zimbabwe senior men body-building champion, Ndumiso “The Dog” Dlodlo, will face stiff challenge from the likes of Blessing Nyapimbi (Manicaland champion), Nigel Maphosa (two-time Zimbabwe light heavyweight champion).
Dlodlo, one of the most respected champions in the history of Zimbabwe body-building and fitness, proved his mettle in the tough overall round when pitted against the well-built light heavyweight champion, Champion Chienderamwano, Nigel “Spartan” Maphosa and Mujuru last year.
As excitement builds up for contest, this year’s event also marks the return of two-time Botswana National Champion, Upenyu “Big life” Mahlaulo, who have been on the sidelines.
The senior class is expected to be competitive with the inclusion of Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) sergeant, Partson Chatedzuka who is the current Harare body-building champion.
Former National middleweight champion and fitness trainer at Oxygen gym Zumailer Eusen Mamman is making his return on stage. Brothers, Eliah and Blessing Samaringa, (former winner in the Harare lightweight champion and former Zimbabwe national middleweight respectively) are set to cause a major upset and possibly permanently reshuffle the line-up tomorrow. This year’s Mr Novice Gerald Woodend, will make his debut on the Mr Zimbabwe line-up.
Zimbabwean body-builders who have turned professional include 2016 Mr Zimbabwe Paul Goredema, Elvaldo DE Mateus and Michele Fortmann will not be participating.
The absence of 2017 runner-up Prosper Saungweme this year will open an intriguing space for newcomers to put pressure on the title.
Other notable contestants expected are Marvelous Ganda, (2018 Bulawayo Men’s Physique champion), Kylie MacDonald (2018 Novice Champion), Juliet Chimbadzo (2018 Arnold Classic medalist), Blessing Itai Sithole (2018 ZITF Men’s Physique champion), Anthony Milner (2013 Fitness Exhibition popular vote winner), Reginald Pasara (two-time Zimbabwe Junior men body-building champion) Gerald Noble, (former national lightweight champion).
NFZBBF spokesperson Quiet Shangai revealed that a total of 14 divisions and two overall titles are up for grabs.
Shangai said the show will parade the most exciting line-up in the history of the sport in Zimbabwe.
“The divisions included, senior men body-building up to and including 75kg, senior men body-building up to and including 85kg, senior men body-building over 85kg, junior men body-building up to and including 23 years, masters men body-building over 40 years, wheelchair men body-building, women masters bikini over 35 years, women bikini fitness, women body-fitness, women beach bikini, women physique, men’s fitness, men’s physique up to and including 176cm 14 and men’s physique over 176cm.
He added: “Judges will be assessing the degree of proportions and symmetry, muscle development (muscularity, fullness, detail, maturity, density etc.), muscle definition, balance, stage presence and tidiness. There are two overall titles as namely the senior men body-building and the men’s physique.”
Newly-appointed Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Kirsty Coventry is expected to grace the occasion.
