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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter

TONDERAI Obey Manyika was crowned the World Fitness Federation Zimbabwe 2024 Novice body-building champion in the capital over the weekend.

The Hulk was taking part in his first championship and managed to get the better of several athletes who took to the stage for the first tournament of the season.

The Novice Cup is meant for beginners, who have never been on stage, and it was Manyika who was outstanding.

For his efforts, the 33-year-old Murewa-born-hulk walked away with a floating trophy and a gold medal.

Manyika said he was happy to win his first major contest and is now looking forward to other upcoming contests.

“The competition was tough but I am happy that I managed to come up tops. At first, I was afraid of my poses but I grew in confidence as the crowd rallied behind me. I started body-building back in 2014 as a way of keeping my self-health. I was into mixed martial arts before I shifted to body-building where I am progressing. I am thankful to my coach Alec Jaure who has been pushing me a lot.

“The tournament helped me gain confidence and I am grateful to my coach and all those who supported me throughout. The competition went on well and I am now going to continue working hard,” said Manyika.

Regis Ngorima was crowned the silver medallist as Takunda Chidhakwa and Francois Joey completed the top four.

The contest saw athletes competing in seven categories and Ngorima won the junior men’s body-building contest ahead of Tapiwanashe Shamhu and Donavan Nzombe.

The women’s section saw Nicola Hwindiri winning the women’s sports model beating Moreblessing Korai to second place.

Wilson Masvinhise won the jeans model as Elton Matakara, Prince Maziva, and Tinashe Mavhenyengwa completed the line-up.

WFF president Godwin Simba Mhaka said he is grateful to the organisers and all who made the show a success.

“We are happy to have managed to host our first show of the year which was a success. The outcome was immense and we managed to get support from individuals and corporates.

“The tournament was competitive and we look forward to many successful tournaments throughout the season,” said Mhaka.

 2024 WWFZ Novice Cup Results

Senior Men Body-building: Tonderai Obey Manyika, Regis Ngorima, Takunda Chidakwa, Francois Joey

Junior Men Body-building: Regis Ngorima, Tapiwanashe Shamhu, Donavan Nzombe, Muzangiti, Hillary Chirenje, Gcinumuzi Nkomo

Men Sports Model: Tapiwanashe Shamhu, Takunda Chidhakwa, Prince Maziva, Tonderai Tamaniwa

Women Sports Model: Nicola Hwindingwi, Moreblessing M Korai

JEANS MODEL: Wilson Masvanise, Elton Matakara, Prince Maziva, Tinashe Mavhenyengwa

 Bermuda Model: Elton Matakara, Donavan Nzombe, Francois Joey, Prince Maziva, Tinashe Mavenyengwa, Tinashe Maswande

People’s Choice: Tonderai Obey Manyika

Best Poser: Tinopiwanashe Shamhu

Outstanding Model: Nicola Hwindingwi