Bodybuilders ready to flex muscles
AFTER a five-month break, the Zimbabwe bodybuilding community looks set to resume activities, with three key shows scheduled for the next couple of weeks.
The three shows — Marume Classic, Manicaland Open and the Harare Classic — represent the sport’s past, present and future in Zimbabwe.
The Marume Classic, which is one of the key events on the local bodybuilding calendar, has been pencilled in for Harare this weekend.
This year’s edition will be graced by a number of regional athletes, who will be headlined by Martha “Wellness Queen” Ngoma from Zambia.
On the other hand, much like the competitions’organisers, the Harare Classic and Manicaland Open represent the future of the sport and its hunger for recognition.
National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness (NFZBF) technical director Givemore Marume is expected to be one of the busiest people in the coming weeks.
“The second half of the year usually presents an exciting and busy period for the sport,” he said.
“This is the time where most of our shows start taking place, and we are excited.
“Preparations for all three events have been going on rather smoothly.
“The events have their own committee members and these men and women have been working around the clock to ensure their products excel.
“My role has been mainly to oversee these preparations, getting regular reports and updates on their progress and chipping in with advice as and when needed.”
The Marume Classic’s main focus this year would be on growth.
“We want to start seeing some growth within the Marume Classic product, and, so far, we seem to have fostered good relations with Zambia and their federation.
“We are currently in the process of courting or building bridges with the Malawi and Mozambique federations, the results of which have seen us invite a couple of athletes from these countries.”
Marume said a Zambian team, which will be accompanied by their vice president, will also make the trip to Zimbabwe.
While most eyes are sure to be fixed on Ngoma and her fellow Zambian contingent, there has also been huge interest in the competition locally.
Reigning champion Noah Dzokora has confirmed not only his participation but also intention to defend his crown. Former winners Gideon Teguru and Nunurai Masosonere are sure to give Dzokora a run for his money, while the new kid on the block, Tinashe “Tatanka” Chideme, comes in as a dark horse in the senior men’s category.
Among the event’s other highlights is the return of the “wellness category” and the introduction of a new “women’s fitness model” section.
The Harare Classic and the Manicaland Open appear to have captured the imagination of the local bodybuilding community, including NFZBF secretary-general Quiet Shangai.
“Preparations for these shows are going on well, from what I have heard.
“I have been talking to the proprietor of the Marume Classic, Givemore Marume, and everything is now in place,” said Shangai.
“We have been working hand in hand with the Manicaland Open organisers, and they are doing very well.”