Ten athletes from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus bodybuilding team will compete in the South African International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) Championships from 1 to 3 August 2024 in KwaZulu-Natal.

This event is the flagship bodybuilding competition of the year in South Africa, and athletes were selected at provincial and regional levels. The championships will determine the South African team that will take part in the IFBB Men’s International World Championships in Kish Islands, the Women’s World Championships in Tokyo, and the IFBB Fitness Challenge World Championships in Spain later this year.

Three of the 10 NWU athletes qualified through the recent University Sports South Africa (USSA) competition. They are Rusmore Verah (Men’s Physique over 178 cm), Sandile Dike (Men’s Physique under 178 cm), and Kudzi Mudzingwa (Ladies Bikini over 163 cm).

The remaining seven qualified through the North West IFBB Provincial Championship. They are Tshepo Baloyi and Xolile Kota (Classic Bodybuilding under 175 cm), Mmapula Goba (Ladies Beach Bikini under 23 years), Thato Mhlanga and Learny Mokgalaka (Bodybuilding under 23 years), Nomthandazo Galate (Ladies Bikini under 23 years), Kevin Pandeka (Men’s Physique over 178 cm), and Simon Maloka (Men’s Physique under 178 cm).

Bodybuilding coach Tshepo Baloyi says he is confident about the team's readiness. "We hope to see some of our athletes being selected to represent South Africa at the international IFBB competitions."

The upcoming competition presents another opportunity for NWU athletes to showcase their talent and potentially earn a spot in the international arena, and the university wishes them well.