Arnold Classic qualifiers dates set

DATES for next year’s Arnold Classic qualifiers have been announced with the Zimbabwe Body Building and Fitness hosting the event at the 7 Arts Theatre on October 21.

The annual event, which is held in South Africa, will once again see top local bodybuilders fighting for a place to represent the country.

With South Africa-based Regina Jonga turning opting to represent the Rainbow Nation, Zimbabwe could possibly look to hulks like four-time Mr Zimbabwe, Champion Chienderamwano.

Chienderamwano, who is based in Botswana, will have to contend with several top athletes like Blessing Nyapimbi, Spartan Maphosa, Paul Goredema and Ndumiso Dlodlo to make the team should he take part in the qualifiers.

Nyapimbi won the two opening events of the local calendar.

The Marondera bodybuilder made it two wins in a row after winning the inaugural IFBB Manicaland Classic Open contest at Holiday Inn Mutare recently.

The win came hard on the heels of his triumph at last month’s Marume Classic at the Zimbabwe College of Music in Harare.

Nyapimbi managed to overcome a strong six-man line-up, relegating into second place seasoned campaigner Edison Marondera, Knowledge Mudzingwa, who finished third, Tafadzwa Mikiya (fourth), Edmore Kudzamaoko (fifth) and Amola Chandinofira (sixth).

Chienderamwano, who last year had three titles to his credit - the Iron Man and Muscleman crowns pulled out of the event last year due to a shoulder injury.