Bodybuilding action of the highest quality will be on show this weekend as the Buffalo City Arnold Classic Qualifier takes centre stage at the East London City Hall tonight.
More than 100 athletes are set to descend on the city from across the country in what should be a cracking night.
“We have two athletes from Mozambique taking part, Mr Mozambique and the junior champ as well, so it has an international flavour to it,” event organiser and founder of KM Sports Khaya Majeke said.
“The numbers are really promising, we are expecting over a hundred entries, with Durban sending in 30 alone, and a large local contingent taking part as well.”
Some very strong athletes will be on show and it should lead to a thrilling finale with a whole host able to claim the overall win.
Athletes such as Sibusiso Cele, Andile Marasi, Miguel Malimo, Alvin Gabriel Mavanga, Christopher Silosini, Mfa Kunene, Thokozani Mntambo, Nkululeko Cele, Mxo Mdibi, Mcebisi, Mthobisi Nxele, Phatho Jali and Sabelo Mathenjwa will be gunning for the win, while a number of others should also be in the mix.
“It is going to be very close, this is one of the toughest fields we have ever had,” said Majeke.
“Many of these athletes taking part have won multiple events, including a number of national champs, so with some very good up-and-coming talent challenging the more established athletes, it should be very exciting as this is going to be the best of the best.
“Mveliso Tapi will be the guest poser on the night. He is the current Mr South Africa and recently signed as an elite pro, while I have also brought down another pro Kollus Nuenens from Johannesburg to also be a guest poser.”
Also adding to the competition is some of the country's top judges coming down to judge the event, bringing an air of professionalism to proceedings.
“The majority of judges are from out of the region with only one judge from East London the others are coming from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth,” said Majeke.
“We have brought these top quality judges from all over the country so to promote fairness and make sure that this event is of the highest quality.”
The action is expected to be fierce, with some massive prize-money on offer including a grand prize of R25000 for the overall winning senior, while plenty of other cash prizes will be up for grabs.
Some athletes will also be going all out to qualify for the main Arnolds event, which will add even more competitiveness to proceedings.
“Some athletes have qualified already and are using this event as a warmup for the Arnolds Africa taking place next month, while others are trying to qualify for the main Arnolds and will be bringing their A game to try get through,” said Majeke.
“This event continues to grow every year and you must remember that it also promotes sport tourism, these athletes come from all over, they utilise our hotels and contribute to the local GDP. Tickets for the show are R150 and can be found at local Pick n Pay’s and Webtickets, while they will also be available at the door.
The main show starts at 6pm.
Big guns to flex their muscles at the Classic
More than 100 athletes are set to descend on the city from across the country in what should be a cracking night.
“We have two athletes from Mozambique taking part, Mr Mozambique and the junior champ as well, so it has an international flavour to it,” event organiser and founder of KM Sports Khaya Majeke said.
“The numbers are really promising, we are expecting over a hundred entries, with Durban sending in 30 alone, and a large local contingent taking part as well.”
Some very strong athletes will be on show and it should lead to a thrilling finale with a whole host able to claim the overall win.
Athletes such as Sibusiso Cele, Andile Marasi, Miguel Malimo, Alvin Gabriel Mavanga, Christopher Silosini, Mfa Kunene, Thokozani Mntambo, Nkululeko Cele, Mxo Mdibi, Mcebisi, Mthobisi Nxele, Phatho Jali and Sabelo Mathenjwa will be gunning for the win, while a number of others should also be in the mix.
“It is going to be very close, this is one of the toughest fields we have ever had,” said Majeke.
“Many of these athletes taking part have won multiple events, including a number of national champs, so with some very good up-and-coming talent challenging the more established athletes, it should be very exciting as this is going to be the best of the best.
“Mveliso Tapi will be the guest poser on the night. He is the current Mr South Africa and recently signed as an elite pro, while I have also brought down another pro Kollus Nuenens from Johannesburg to also be a guest poser.”
Also adding to the competition is some of the country's top judges coming down to judge the event, bringing an air of professionalism to proceedings.
“The majority of judges are from out of the region with only one judge from East London the others are coming from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth,” said Majeke.
“We have brought these top quality judges from all over the country so to promote fairness and make sure that this event is of the highest quality.”
The action is expected to be fierce, with some massive prize-money on offer including a grand prize of R25000 for the overall winning senior, while plenty of other cash prizes will be up for grabs.
Some athletes will also be going all out to qualify for the main Arnolds event, which will add even more competitiveness to proceedings.
“Some athletes have qualified already and are using this event as a warmup for the Arnolds Africa taking place next month, while others are trying to qualify for the main Arnolds and will be bringing their A game to try get through,” said Majeke.
“This event continues to grow every year and you must remember that it also promotes sport tourism, these athletes come from all over, they utilise our hotels and contribute to the local GDP. Tickets for the show are R150 and can be found at local Pick n Pay’s and Webtickets, while they will also be available at the door.
The main show starts at 6pm.
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