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Takudzwa Chitsiga : Sports Reporter

VETERAN body-builder Regina Jonga will not be able to make it for the Mr and Ms Iron-man contest scheduled for Longcheng Plaza in Harare on Saturday. The South Africa-based top athlete was supposed to be the star attraction at the country’s second biggest body-building contest. Jonga, who has since run out of competition locally, was supposed to be a guest poser to inspire other female body-builders but she has personal issues to attend.But it is Simbarashe Godwin Mhaka who is happy that he had adequate preparations for the event and is hopeful of doing well.

Mhaka, who competes in Mr Physical Fitness, said he is ready for this year’s event as he is feeling good and believes he is in the best of conditions.

“I am ready for the event and I am looking forward to it and I hope to do well. My condition is impressing and I am now confident after taking part in the Arnold Classic.

“I learnt a lot at the Arnold Classic so my presentation has also improved and I know there will be top level competition but I hope to do well,” Mhaka said.

Last year Mhaka made strides, winning the Pretoria Classic aerobic Fitness Championships as well as the Musclemania Zimbabwe Fitness Physique contest.

Saturday’s event will have several sponsors who came on board and they include Greetings Pharmacy, Cancer Pharmacy, 1+1 Longcheng, Kingsport, Pro-fitness Health Club, Astro Mobile.

The event will see heavyweights in Isaac “Sugar” Chimuchenga, Eddie Marondera, Lazarus Shereni, Lovemore Manyamana, Brighton Mazikana, Eliah Samaringa, Brian Saundombe, among several others, battling it out for the top honours.

Registration will begin on the day at 8am while the event will start at 11am.

Last year’s winners

Body-building men: Champion Chienderamwano

Women figure Fitness: Precious Mujuru, Women body-building (now physique): Regina Jonga

Men’s physique: Simba Godwin Mhaka

Junior men body-building: Raymond Mutandiri

Wheelchair body-building: Mako Mwale.