The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
TWO Bulawayo bodybuilders, Prechard Hoko as well as Zibusiso Khumalo warmed up for the national championships in Harare at the end of this month by taking top honours in their respective categories at the Manicaland Classic held in Rusape.
Hoko and Khumalo are both members of Body Works Gym. Carter as the 29-year old Hoko is known in bodybuilding circles won the under 75 kilograms and took second spot in the men’s physique which was won by Blessing Sithole while the 21-year old Khumalo took the junior men Under-23.
The two described the Manicaland Classic as a wonderful platform for them to prepare for the national championships coming up in Harare at the end of this month.
Prechard Hoko
Hoko however decried the lack of funding for the event, which saw him get a prize of $250 for winning his category and $100 for finishing second.
“Well organised show but lacked sponsorship. I can say it was good preparation for the national championships. I am preparing for the big one,’’ said Hoko
Khumalo felt that he gained a lot of experience from the Manicaland Classic. Since he faced the same competitors he will come up against in Harare, Khumalo is confident he is going to come out tops once again.
“It was awesome, I really enjoyed and gained experience. It was a good show, it was good exposure for the national event because the same guys that I will compete against at the nationals were there so I beat them it’s a stepping stone,’’ Khumalo said.
Hoko and Khumalo are part of a strong Body Works Gym team that is hard at work ahead of the National Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships to be stage at 7 Arts in Harare on 28 September. Besides the two, Kylie MacDonald, Lovemore Munyamana, Delvin Page and Marvelous Gandah are some of those expected to do well at the national competition.
— @Mdawini_29
