The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
AT 52, Masiye Suwali (pictured) just cannot let go of a sport he loves, even though it’s not exactly bringing the bacon to the breakfast table.
The former Mr Mufakose bodybuilding champion is fresh from clinching the Zimbabwe Masters Classic and is now gunning for the Mr Zimbabwe Masters title.
“I love bodybuilding although it doesn’t pay much,” he said. Showing off his Zimbabwe Masters Classic trophy, Suwali declared he would cause an upset at next month’s Mr Zimbabwe contest.
The Masters category is open to bodybuilders who are over 45 and last year’s title went to George Munyoro with Zumailer Eusen Mamman and Domingo Lunga coming second and third respectively.
“I am in great shape and last year’s winner should be worried. I have been working hard, eating the right kind of food, thanks to my new sponsor Robbie Muromba and look forward to the competition.
“Bodybuilding has always been in me, I was inspired by the likes of Charles Radzokota who was my instructor back in the day. The story of Elvis Chibhamu, who also went national, also inspired me and I am now training upcoming bodybuilders in Mufakose so that this history continues,” he said.
But Suwali laments lack of sponsorship in a discipline that is increasingly becoming popular in Zimbabwe. Most of the bodybuilding talent is being lost as budding athletes end up becoming night club bouncers due to lack of opportunities, Suwali said.
“The sport is a bit expensive … you need proper food, supplements and all but if you do not have the financial muscle you falter. One needs to eat a lot of eggs, fish, chicken, potatoes and beans plus some supplements. Most of the youths in the ghetto cannot afford this diet,” said Suwali, who once worked as a nightclub bouncer.
