The competition was last held in 2010 when it was won by Vincent Kandiero, but since then, it has been affected by the non-availability of a sponsor. Otis Goredema of the Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation recently revealed that participants expected from neighbouring South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, and Malawi.
He said taking the competition to Kadoma was part of their mission to take the sport to all corners of the country. They were considering holding the competition either in Bulawayo or Mutare next year.
The decision to stage the competition in Kadoma has come as good news for two-time winner, Zumaile Eusen Meman, who comes from the host town and wants to wrestle the title again, this time in front of his home fans and family.
Meman, of Empire Gym, was Mr Ironman in 2001 and 2004 – the same year he also won the Mr Zimbabwe title.
“I have been training hard and am in the greatest shape of my career. Nothing will make me happier than to win in front of the people I grew up with,” said Meman. He will, however, have to shrug-off competition from title holder Kandiero, Kamuchenga, Colin Mushunje and a host of other foreign contestants eager to follow in the footsteps of some of the country’s greatest bodybuilders like George Takundwa, Givemore Maruma and Innocent Choga – all previous winners of the Mr Ironman.
Post published in: Sport