Mhaka qualifies for IFBB Diamond Cup
REIGNING Mr Zimbabwe fitness physique champion and two-time Mr Ironman physique Godwin Simbarashe Mhaka has qualified to compete at the International Federation for Bodybuilding (IFBB) Diamond Cup in the United Kingdom next month.
The qualification comes hard on the heels of his triumph in South Africa where he won the IFBB Boksburg Classic men’s physique overall title on August 6 before winning the Mr and Ms Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships and Ironman 2016 held last weekend.
He looks set to follow in the footsteps of Gweruborn bodybuilder Victor Hungwe, who rose to fame in South Africa before taking part at the Mr World finals in Naples, Italy.
Mhaka said he is relishing the opportunity, which he wants to use as a pedestal to turn professional.
“This is a dream come true for me and it fits well in my plans of turning professional,” said Mhaka.
“I have observed that in the sport industry, one has to work very hard.
“I was a track and field athlete before and that’s where I learnt a lot of lessons.
“I would like to thank the Federation (of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding National and Fitness) for its efforts to bring more genres in the physique industry because it is allowing people with different genetic make-ups to find career paths,” he said.
Should Mhaka win his division, he will earn an IFBB elite card, allowing him to participate at the IFBB Elite World Cup, which is a gateway for obtaining the IFBB pro card.
However, Mhaka can also earn a pro card by winning the overall Diamond Cup.
Mhaka, who won the Pretoria Classic Male Aerobic Fitness Championships, features in the latest issue of Muscle Evolution, a South African health and fitness magazine.