The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
DEFENDING champion Nunurai Masosonere headlines what is expected to be a highly competitive field when the Marume Classic makes its long-awaited return this weekend.
The competition, which begins at the Zimbabwe College of Music on Saturday, is set to attract bodybuilders from both Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Among those expected to fly the Zimbabwe flag high are Masosonere, the last overall winner of the competition before it took a Covid-19-induced break; Ironman festival winners Gideon Teguru and Itayi ‘CC Banks’ Sithole; and former champion Blessing Nyapimbi.
Festivities officially kick off on Friday with the registration process, after which the athletes are expected to take part in six different categories the following day.
These include the women’s bikini open, men’s fitness open, men’s physique (179cm and above), men’s physique (below 179cm), the junior men’s bodybuilding (23 years and above), and the men’s open.
Preparations for the event are already at an advanced stage.
“The preparations for this year’s Marume Classic have been rather smooth, and we are just about ready for the show itself,” said event founder Givemore Marume.
“To still get sponsors, both old and new, ready to come on board after the two-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic is a big deal, and we are very appreciative of that.
“Defending champion Nunurai Masosonere will be taking part, as well as some big names from the sport, and some Zambians, too.
“The identities of the Zambian athletes are yet to be known, but I did receive assurances from the head of Zambia’s bodybuilding federation that he will be sending a couple of tough athletes our way,” he said.
