Takudzwa Chitsiga
Sports Reporter
A full line-up is expected to grace the 2023 Harare Classic bodybuilding contest set for 7 Arts Theatre on Saturday.
The high-profile contest is expected to see at least 100 bodybuilders across all categories battling it out for cash prizes and medals.
Harare classic has this year attracted athletes from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia and Malawi.
Top local-based hulks are set to battle for honours in one of the country’s most lucrative competitions, which has fast food outlet Eat and Lick as the chief sponsor.
Several time winners Edward Mutero, Nigel Maphosa, and Knowledge Mapfumo are expected on the stage so is in-form and current Marume Classic champion Noah Dzvokora, Gideon Teguru, and Aaron Musarurwa.
With a purse of US$2 000 for the main prize, the contest has attracted more than 16 senior men bodybuilders.
In the men’s physique, Manicaland Classic, champion Blessing Sithole will again battle it out with the Zambian duo of Amon Mugaza and Shadreck Mwaba as well as Weignrace Masendeke.
In the Women’s Wellness category, Yeukai Midzi and Mitchel Chivake are expected to face stiff competition from Zambian Martha Favour Ngoma who also last month took home the Marume Classic.
One of the event organisers, Tarirai Chirume said they are expecting a big turnout and stiff competition in this year’s edition of the Harare Classic.
“The preparations are going on very well, with Eat and Lick coming to the party. They have taken over sponsorship of half of the competition and other partners are also coming in, giving us what they can. I’m sure by Saturday everything should be in place.
“All the prize money is available and all that we promised on the posters is what the athletes are going to get.
“We want to ensure that the show becomes one of the best in terms of improving the welfare of athletes because we know the sport is very expensive to prepare for, and athletes spend a lot of money on diet food, gym and supplements.
“So, we need to ensure that when they compete and win, they should be able to return their investment.
“We have managed to work hard as a team to ensure that we raise money that we think will improve the lives of winners,” said Chirume.