The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
UP-AND-COMING bodybuilder, Selina Manuel will take part in an international competition for the first time in her blossoming career following her inclusion in Zimbabwean team for the Arnold Classic set for South Africa in May.
18-year-old Manuel, an Upper Sixth form student at Petra High School has been named to compete in the women bikini fitness juniors for those aged 16 to 23. Because of her impressive show last year which saw her win Ms Novice, Ms Zimbabwe Under-19, Ms Body Works Classic and finished second in the Ms Bulawayo, the National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness decided that she has earned the right to represent the country.
The second edition of the Arnold Classic Africa is scheduled for 5 to 7 May at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Givemore Marume, a four-time Mr Zimbabwe winner is the national team coach for the Arnold Classic.
Manuel, a Matabeleland hockey player, has been competing in bodybuilding events since last year under the guidance of her coach Simon Gama and her mentor Shantel Greenland at Body Works Gym. She becomes the fifth bodybuilder from the Nathan Greenland-owned Body Works Gym to make the Zimbabwean team. The others are 2016 Mr Zimbabwe Paul Goredema, Ms Zimbabwe beach bikini winner Shantel Greenland, last year’s Mr Ironman runner up Pardon Dube and five times in a row Mr Bulawayo Lovemore Munyamana.
The youngster last Thursday said she was astonished at the same time thrilled when she was informed that she has been drafted into the Zimbabwean team.
“I was so shocked when I was told but at the same time I was excited, I started training Monday last week. I have been sent the rules and regulations, I am taking part in the junior bikini which is for those aged 16 to 23. I am hoping to get sponsors to get there and go as high as possible. I am also hoping to get a scholarship and get overseas or wherever bodybuilding takes me because it is a passion that I picked up,’’ said Manuel.
She expressed gratefulness to her mother Maggie who she described as her biggest supporter, trainer Gama for his help training and diet as well as South Africa-based brother Saleem who has encouraged her to always aim for higher and never give up.
NFZBBF spokesperson Quiet Shangai said so far 34 Zimbabweans have been approved to take part in the Arnold Classic but as it is always the case others might drop out before the competition. The biggest number of representation is 13 for senior men bodybuilding. Last year, the country had 16 representatives at the multi-sport event.
Of those, Precious Mujuru came fourth in women body fitness up to and including 160 centimetres, Munyamana came fifth in the men’s bodybuilding up to and including 70 kilograms. Garikai Mujuru finished sixth in the men’s bodybuilding up to and including 75kgs and Regina Jonga took the same position in the women physique up to and including 163cm.
The Arnold Classic Africa is described as the biggest multi-sport event on the content as it is one of the six events happening worldwide. Retired bodybuilder, American actor and businessman Arnold Schwarzenegger is the brains behind the competition where more than 50 sports and events with over 12 000 participants over three days. Schwarzenegger graced last year’s event staged at the same venue.
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