Zimpapers Sports Hub
QUIET SHANGAI usually has a gleam in his eyes when talking about bodybuilding, more so when the subject of the Zimbabwe Nationals is broached.
However, there was sadness about the National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness (NFZBF) secretary-general as he talked up the annual contest last week.
For the local federation, 2024 has been a mixed bag.
On one hand, the association managed to stage most of their shows and, in particular, three of the big four — Novice, Marume Classic and, later this month, the Zimbabwe Nationals.
The Ironman Festival, the missing piece, was scrapped off the calendar due to lack of funding.
The federation saw record numbers in a couple of their events, while Nomathamsanqa Phiri raised the country’s flag high on the regional and international scene.
The major drawback turned out to be on the developmental front.
“The year 2024 has been promising, but very challenging as well,” said Shangai.
“We managed to stage the usual events like Novice, Harare and Marume Classics and a few provincial shows, most of which recorded good numbers and were well organised.
“The biggest challenge was on the district front, and this is one key area in which we are measured. We were found lacking here,” he said.
“It is all about athletes being unearthed, nurtured and developed, and this starts at the district level. The development mantra should speak to the community, the schools, universities and colleges, for this is where it all starts.
“When we don’t do much in that regard, we don’t usually celebrate. A national federation is responsible for development and it is our mandate to provide the space for aspiring bodybuilders to showcase their talents.
“That all starts at district level and then moves on to provincial and finally national and international level.”
Shangai highlighted some of the year’s successes, singling out the Novice competition, which gets better every year, and Phiri for her work abroad.
As the year comes to a close, the NFZBF will host the Zimbabwe Nationals, the final event of the calendar.
The event is slated for November 23 at the 7 Arts Theatre in Harare, with preparations for the annual event having already begun in earnest.
At least US$11 500 is up for grabs for the winners. The overall winner is set to walk away with US$300.
“The nationals promise to be quite a show,” said Shangai.
“We have already started what we call the athlete requirement drive and if you visit our Facebook page and other social media platforms, one will be filled in with all the information for the event.
“The response from the bodybuilding community and those outside has been overwhelming, with many sponsors coming on board.”
Among the new and old sponsors are Chipaz Promotions, Radiator Kings, Nexas Gas and Equipment, Muscle Milling, Macmilan, Whismas Logistics, Debtors of Love, Mervyns Electronics, AG Petroleum, Kingsport Investments, The Luxe Spar, Faith Cakes and Snakes, Mazuda Spares, Clare Soft Hygiene, Guard Alert and Crystal Candy.
They have all made pledges in cash or kind.
Registration officially opens on the day of the event, November 23, but many of the sports’ heavy hitters have already confirmed their participation.
These include back-to-back Harare Classic winner Gideon Teguru, Marume Classic winner Paul Bako and seasoned campaigners like Itayi “CC Banks” Sithole, Nigel Maphosa, Knowledge Mapfumo and Emmanuel Tino.
This year’s event will have eight categories, namely senior men’s bodybuilding (80kg and below), senior men (80kg and above), men’s physique, men’s fitness open, junior men’s bodybuilding (23 years and below), wheelchair men’s bodybuilding open, women’s wellness open and women’s bikini open.
