Zimpapers Logo

HULK FROM THE EAST . . . Blessing Saunyama says he is eyeing victory at the inaugural Manicaland Classic in Mutare tomorrow

Ray Bande Mutare Bureau
MUTARE-based reigning Mr Ironman Zimbabwe Blessing Saunyama is confident he will be popping the champagne bottles when the inaugural Manicaland Classic bodybuilding contest comes to an end tomorrow evening.

All is set for the first edition of the Manicaland Classic bodybuilding contest, which will also be graced by the current Mr Zimbabwe, Paul Goredema.

The event starts at 6pm at Holiday Inn Hotel in Mutare.

The contest, which is being hosted by Manicaland Bodybuilding and Fitness Association, is set to attract participants from all over the country.

Participants will take part in senior men bodybuilding open, junior men bodybuilding Under-23, men’s fitness and women’s bikini categories.

“I am confident that I will make it. I want to be the first to win it and add another silverware to my cabinet. It will be a tough contest I know, but I will certainly give it my best shot,” said Saunyama.

Manicaland Bodybuilding Fitness Association secretary Siba Guzha said they were happy to host the event for the first time.

He said they were expecting many bodybuilders from outside the province.

“We are hosting the Manicaland Classic for the first time in history. We have been having a lot of activity, but at provincial level. We have decided to up the gear.

“We are expecting more than 30 bodybuilders. So far we have participants coming as far as from Harare, Marondera, Kwekwe, Bulawayo and our local based bodybuilders that have confirmed their participation,” he said.

Guzha bemoaned lack of sponsorship.

“We are trying by all means to attract sponsorship and we hope this event will attract some individuals who will sponsor us.

“We are working and trying by all means to change the face of bodybuilding in our province.

“We want all our athletes to become professionals. We will also work on them to be able to contest in international contests.

“We are now affiliated with the mother body, National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness.

“We are also registered with the World Bodybuilding Federation,” he said.

Guzha said they were hoping for a better line up in the ladies’ category.

“We are expecting a better line up in the ladies’ category as more are willing to participate.

“The idea is to have all our athletes turning professional. For a long time we have been lagging behind other provinces.

“We want to groom them from grassroots all the way to the top. There will be prizes in each and every category,’’ he said.