Mr Zimbabwe competition over subscribed

The return of Mr and Ms Zimbabwe competition has attracted a high turn out with over 30 female and 50 male contestants confirming their participation.

The country's premier bodybuilding contest is making a return after five years of absence and will be held at the Harare International School in the capital.

Registration for the prejudge ceremony will be conducted at the same venue in the morning.

National Federation of Zimbabwe Bodybuilding and Fitness (NFZBBF) president Otis Goredema said the show will parade the most exciting line-up in the history of the sport in Zimbabwe.

"We have foreign based athletes flying into the country, like Musclemania winner Champion Mbewe, arriving from Botswana, and Simba Dube who has performed pretty well in South Africa," Goredema told the Daily News yesterday.

"Former rugby player Darren Turnock is set to cause a major upset and possibly permanently reshuffle the line up in his Zimbabwean debut as a bodybuilder.  Matt Humphries, who holds titles in South Africa, is also on course to claim the prestigious title."

Other notable contestants include defending champion Tarirai Chirume, Mr Iron Man Vincent Kandiero and such seasonable campaigners as Simbarashe Fero, Eddie Marondera and Isaac Chimuchenga.

"Among the ladies, World Championship winner Merna Moore-Cramer (wife of Zimbabwe cricketer Graeme Cremer), is among the ladies vying for the title against Musclemania champion Helen Costa," added Goredema.