BODYBUILDING
International muscle men hunt for title at WSU
THE battle of the champions is set to light up Walter Sisulu University on Saturday night when the O R Tambo Southern Africa Bodybuilding Championships takes centre stage in Mthatha.
A whole host of international and national bodybuilding champions will be on show, which should make the event one of the most competitive ever seen in South Africa.
“This championship is quite unique. This is the first time that provincial champions from KZN, Western Province, Gauteng, as well as this year’s national champion and last year’s national champ and two national champions from other countries will go up against each other at the same event,” said Bodybuilding South Africa vicepresident Khaya Majeke.
“So it is extremely exciting and I believe this is going to be one of the highest quality competitions the country has ever seen.”
Mr South Africa, Mveliso Tapi from East London, will be heading the card along with former national champ, Michael Adonis from Cape Town, while Mr Zambia, Sylvester Mwila, and Mr Mozambique, Boaventura José Macuácua, will be leading the international charge.
Current provincial champs in various divisions, Mdu Green from KwaZulu-Natal, Hansie Mogotsi from Gauteng and Andile Marasi from OR Tambo, will also be serious contenders, while further challenges should come from athletes such as Vuyo Vanda and Sibusiso Kotelo.
“If you look at the calibre of athletes who will be taking part, these guys are giants of the sport and it is great to have these athletes here in Mthatha,” said Majeke.
“The majority of these athletes will be going to the world champs again this year, and most of them are competing for the last time as amateurs. They are pros already and they are just going to the worlds to get their national colours and licence to compete as pros.
“The competition is going to be very tough and it is going to be the best bodybuilding show ever seen in the O R Tambo district municipality.”
The event also coincides with the annual OR Tambo celebrations, which should add more festivities to the already impressive schedule.
“This is part of the celebrations of our international stalwart, Oliver Reginald Tambo, and we are celebrating his life for the third time through this event, and the magnitude of competition that is taking place at this champs coincides perfectly with the celebrations,” said Majeke.
Also of importance for the organisers is the impact on local tourism in the region, with them expecting to draw spectators from all over.
“The event is also geared to help promote tourism in the O R Tambo region,” said Majeke.
“I would like to thank the provincial department of sport, especially the MEC, and also the executive mayor of the O R Tambo region, along with all our other partners.”
Weigh-in for the athletes is tomorrow from 4pm to 9pm.
Prejudging will get under way on Saturday from 9am, with the main show taking centre stage from 5.30pm.