Mthatha champ to flex his muscles
the biggest names in the sport.
In fact, such is his confidence he has predicted that his own name might possibly be among those announced at the end of today’s show.
“I am happy to be representing the O R Tambo community,” the threetime Mr O R Tambo Bodybuilding champion winner told the Saturday Dispatch during a media briefing called by organisers of the show at Mthatha’s Savoy Hotel yesterday.
“This year it was difficult preparing for the event as I did eight competitions when normally I have only done three per year. I am a bit tired but this is home and I cannot just let everyone walk all over me.”
Tapi also promised fans he would be in his best condition on stage.
But, unlike Marasi, he feels the championships are going to be a tough affair.
“Basically the same athletes who competed in the South African Championships, will be here again.”
KwaZulu-Natal’s Sibusiso Kotelo, who became a national champion during the South African Championships when he won the superheavyweight division, feels that tod competition will be of a higher calibre than the nationals.
“This is the biggest in terms of the biggest names as it will be the first time we have past [Adonis] and present Mr South Africa [Tapi] competing at the same time.”
Today's event is organised by KM Sports Promotion founder Khaya Majeke, who is also the vice-president of Bodybuilding South Africa.
He said they expected more than 100 bodybuilders from across Africa, including one from Uganda, five from Zambia – among them Mr Zambia, Sylvester Mwila – and six from Mozambique.
The overall winner stands to pocket a whopping R25 000 while the runner-up will take home R10 000 and the third-placed athlete R5 000.
The winners will take part in the Arnold Schwarzenegger Africa Body Classic Festival next year. Others will represent South Africa at the World Championships. — sikhon@dispatch.