The bodybuilding team from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus is brimming with pride after triumphing over their competitors at the recent University Sports South Africa (USSA) 2022 Athletics Championships that took place in Pretoria.

This is the fourth time the team scooped the top spot in the USSA championships. The competition saw eight of the 22-member team qualifying for the South African National Bodybuilding Championship that will take place from 2 to 4 September in Johannesburg.

Team coach Raphael Ntumba says he is proud of his team’s hard work and passion. “This is a great achievement for us, and I hope we will grow and achieve even greater heights."

Raphel says the competition is not just a muscle show, but also a celebration of hard work and a healthy lifestyle.

"Winning in bodybuilding competitions requires a certain level of physical and mental discipline. So many vital components are necessary for bringing a ripped and muscular body to the stage. Muscle building is not an overnight thing, nor is it weight loss. It takes time and discipline, following the right diet and lots of training – you need to make many sacrifices," he explains.

Tshanduko Tshilongo, one of the team members who has qualified for the national championships, says this was her second competition and participating meant a lot to her.

"It hasn't hit me yet that I have made the team – I only started bodybuilding last year! I used to go to the campus gym to keep fit, but coach Raphael encouraged me to join the bodybuilding team. The sport grew on me, and it is now the best hobby I have and has changed my life tremendously," says Tshanduko.

Tshanduko, who is currently pursuing a PhD in sociology, says getting to her current level was a tall task.

"It took a lot of practice and mistakes to get it right. Participating in this competition was quite intimidating, especially when you have to stand next to the ladies who have put in just as much work as you have. But, in the end it was all worth it," says the Limpopo-born bodybuilder.

Avuyile Ndzimela, an honours student in environmental science and geography, says he is happy with his performance and that of his teammates. 

He says being part of the NWU bodybuilding team has been life changing.

"I started lifting weights when I was 18 and joined the university bodybuilding team in 2018. This was my third USSA competition, and I am looking forward to getting my pro-card and becoming a professional bodybuilder. With the NWU team behind me, I believe I will get it," says the 24-year-old, originally from the Eastern Cape.

Congratulations to the following NWU students who qualified for the nationals in September: 

•  Keagile Lefika
• Tshanduko Tshilongo
• Kwanele Mthiyane
•  Lerato Mzenzi
• Samkelisiwe Maseko
• Gift Coss
•  Simphiwe Nhlengethwa
• Lehlohonolo Mnisi
• Mthokozisi Zuma
• Mandlakayise Jonga
• Zoe Tasak

Gift Cossa came first in the Classic Bodybuilding category.

Team coach Raphael Ntumba, Tshanduku Tshilongo and Avuyile Ndzimela.

Keagile Lefika scooped first place and was announced the overall winner in the bikini under 163 cm category.