The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
NIGEL “SPARTAN” MAPHOSA headlines what is expected to be a highly competitive and star-studded line-up at this weekend’s Harare Classic.
The event — slated for October 21 in the capital — is set to be Maphosa’s first local competition since 2019, when the South Africa-based bodybuilder walked away with the coveted title.
Maphosa is set to line-up against some of the biggest names in the senior men’s event, such as Edward “Gearbox” Mutero, Gideon Tegure and Noah Dzvokora.
Other big names confirmed for the event include Blessing “CC Banks” Sithole in the men’s physique and the duo of Aaron Musarurwa and James Tashera in the junior men’s bodybuilding category.
There is an added incentive of US$2 000 for the overall winner of the event.
“The response has been overwhelming, as we already have confirmation from a couple of local and regional athletes,” said Tarisai Chirume, the event’s coordinator.
“Malawi and Zambia are sending three athletes each, while South Africa are sending four more.
“This is in addition to the local athletes that include the returning Spartan (Maphosa), defending champion Gearbox (Mutero), former champion Gideon Tegure and Noah Dzvokora.
“From our end, preparations have been rather smooth sailing, and everything is now in place.”
Speaking on the prize for the overall winner, Chirume added: “We started with a modest US$600 when we first introduced the prize and the monetary value has increased with each edition.
“Last year, it was US$1 500 and we have increased it to US$2 000 this time around.”
As has become the trend, this year we will be having six categories — five traditional categories in the senior men’s competition, men’s physique, ladies’ bikini, men’s fitness, junior men’s bodybuilding and the ladies’ wellness.
