By TROY MUKUPA
MR. MATERO bodybuilding contest which was held on Saturday night at Mika Convention Centre in Lusaka did not shy away from the expected heat as participants came on stage guns-blazing.
The event, which attracted some of the big names in bodybuilding, saw 11 muscle men from Matero Gymnasium battle it out with various poses to display every inch of their muscular physiques.
After the first round of flexing, the top 10 were selected and walked away with a minimum K2, 000 and a certificate.
The completion finally came down to the top 3; Jack “Power” Chela, Jonas “The Beast” Sikaonga and William Sichone, who was crowned champion and earned a kingdom password name in the bodybuilding cycles tagged “The Machine.”
Sichone, who was a marvel to watch on stage as he exhibited well-built biceps and triceps, to outwit his opponents much to the delight of the cheering spectators who included, Muchinga Ward 28, Matero constituency, councillor Lee Mukupa and renowned female boxer Esther Phiri.
Sichone said in an interview after being crowned winner, that he was delighted to win the 2023 Mr Matero title and was quick to admit that the competition was tough but expected to win because he had prepared adequately for the contest.
Sichone walked away with a K10, 000 prize money while Sikaonga, who was runner-up pocketed K5, 000 with Chela pocketing K3, 000 for scooping third.
And Matero Gymnasium chairperson, Abdussubham Patel, described this year’s contest as a success.
He said the competition was interesting because it attracted highly-rated competitors in Matero. He commended sponsors for contributing towards the hosting of this year’s contest.
Meanwhile, the Zambia Body Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation President, Jackson Nkhoma uged Mukupa, who was guest of honour, to come to the aid of Matero Gymnasium as it lacks equipment which has affected the performance of athletes.
