WORLD Fitness Federation Zambia (WFFZ) president Peter Chanda says Zambia doesn’t have professional body builders.
Chanda explained that for one to be considered a professional body builder he or she has to be licenced regardless of how many years one has been in the sport.
He shared his sentiments this morning during a press briefing announcing that the WFFZ will be hosting the African League of Champions 2024, which will see over nine African countries compete to flex the muscle after molding their bodies in the gym.
“It doesn’t matter how long you have been in the sport you need to have a license as a professional body builder for you to compete in a professional lineup or category,” Chanda said.
“As it is right now we don’t have any professional licensed bodybuilder. [As Zambia] we have been given this opportunity to come and show your potential and skill… So that you are licensed… And see the value of being a body builder.”
Chanda said the value of being a body builder can be actualised only when an athlete is a professional because Zambian athletes in the sport mostly participate in events for peanuts and medals with nothing substantial to show for it.
Therefore, he called on local athletes to register for the event which will see body builders become Pros and will not discriminate athletes based on age, gender or physical challenges.
Chanda said the African League of Champions which will be hosted in Lusaka at the Music Club is significant for the nation as it is the first time in the Southern region that a country apart from South Africa is hosting an event where participation will see athletes become professionals from amateur levels.
He added that those who will qualify at this year’s event based on there performance, will be able to compete in other international events in Malaysia, France and the Phillipines.
“We don’t want to travel with amateurs, where I know deep down in my heart…that no matter how much the National Sports Council spends on us, we will just come back with empty pocket, which will not be fair for both the athletes and government.” Chanda said.
National Sports Council director Sombwa Musuna was excited about the upcoming event and wants more of events of this caliber in Zambia.
He expressed the need to have many international events in the country which will serve as platforms for local athletes to participate and save cost of travelling outside the country to compete in such showdowns.
“As the National Sports Council, we will do what we can in terms of raising the resources. WFF is selling a very good product, we are not coming to the sponsors with a begging bowl… [The event] is something that sponsors should be able to jump on and provide resources.”
Preparations for the African League of Champions are almost complete with the WFFZ vice president, professor Captain Givenz Chanda confirming that 85 percent has been done so far.
The budget for the event has been pegged at K1 million.
Countries that have confirmed participation include, Botswana, Kenya, Cameroon, South Africa, Nigeria, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Ghana and of course the hosts, Zambia.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba November 26, 2024
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