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Lovemore Zigara in Gweru
DUBAI-based bodybuilder Munashe Matandirotya will be among the hulks who will take part at this year’s Mr and Ms Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness contest slated for Harare international School today.

More than 100 body builders are expected to descend on the capital for the premier event on the country’s bodybuilding and fitness calendar.

With reigning Mr Zimbabwe Champion Chienderamwano having taken a sabbatical this year after winning the last three editions of Mr Zimbabwe, all eyes would be on Matandirotya who has a glittering career in bodybuilding.

Matandirotya has won Mr Ironman Junior, Mr Ironman and Mr Botswana on two occasions among an array of local and regional accolades to his name before setting base in Dubai in 2010.

However, the athlete is yet to win the Mr Zimbabwe title and this could have inspired him to come back home where he is set to face stiff competition from local and regional bodybuilders.

Also making a comeback will be Simbarashe Dube who is now based in Rwanda.

Also in the picture for the big prize would be reigning Mr and Ms Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships and Ironman 2016 Nunurai Masosonere, Tarirai Chirume, Blessing Samaringa and Gweru-based Isaac “Sugar” Chimuchenga who felt robbed at last year’s edition of Mr Zimbabwe.

National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness spokesperson, Quiet Shingai, said this year’s event will be bigger and better as they have included new categories.

“We have included more categories to accommodate different sizes and age groups so that we promote the growth of the sport. We have a total of 20 divisions and the new divisions include masters bikini, junior bikini, children’s fitness as well as senior men fitness,” he said.

Reigning Ms Zimbabwe Regina Jonga is expected to defend her title.