The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Mutare Correspondent
NATIONAL Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness president Kenny Murugweni has hailed Manicaland Bodybuilding Association for holding a successful and well organised tournament.
Murugweni believes Manicaland has the capacity to host the National Bodybuilding Tournament next year.
Speaking on the sidelines of the inaugural Manicaland Classic held at a Mutare hotel last Saturday night, Murugweni said Manicaland had to be commended for a successful event.
“I was surprised to see such organisation in Mutare. It was a well-organised and well-prepared event.
“The event showed us that the province is now ready to host a national show. I think the guys who are running bodybuilding in the province are doing a great job and they are ready to organise a national event.
“Next year we will give them a chance to host Mr Ironman,” he said. Murugweni encouraged the province to continue working hard to promote the sport.
“I have noticed one or two things that they have to improve. They have to engage more companies to have more money for the prizes of the participants.
“I saw six women taking part in the ladies bikini. They have to train hard in order for them to take part in national events.
“Ladies bikini is not the only category, there is more, so I encourage the province to improve on that. Next time they must add fitness category,” he said. Murugweni said the province had good athletes with great potential.
“I think next year we will have more athletes from this side who will represent the country in South Africa when we will go for the Arnold Classic,” he said. He also encouraged the Mutare board to raise bodybuilding campaign in the province as a way of making the sport popular.
“People have wrong perception about our sport. Campaigns must be done to educate people about the sport.
“Our communities always think that bodybuilding is associated with violence, but it is just like any other sport,” he said. More than 30 participants took part in four categories, namely junior men’s bodybuilding, men’s fitness, ladies bikini and senior men’s bodybuilding.
Manicaland dominated in three categories. Simba Munzara won gold in the junior men bodybuilding category. Chamunorwa Marange came first in the men’s fitness category, while Anesu Hokoyo came first in the ladies’ bikini.
Marondera-based Blessing Nyapimbi came first in the senior men bodybuilding category. Mr Ironman Zimbabwe, Blessing Saunyama, did not participate after falling ill before the tournament.
