Sinovuyo Mbotho: From Bizana Pondo Chiefs to world stage
From Bizana Pondo Chiefs to representing South Africa on the world stage, Sinovuyo Mbotho’s extraordinary journey has earned him a spot at the prestigious IFBB World Championships in Iran.
Mbotho started circa 2014 as a full-back before taking up a role behind the scenes as the kit manager for Pondo Chiefs. As the team progressed through the ranks, so did his aspirations.
He was with the now-defunct club from their time in the amateur ranks until their NFD days. The 33-year-old tried his hand as a footballer, but it never went quite the way he wanted.
In 2020, while still involved in football, he started playing the juggling act between football and bodybuilding.
“I started as a right back, and later, I became a kit manager when the team Bizana Pondo Chiefs was still in the amateur ranks. We progressed to the ABC Motsepe League and eventually got promoted to the NFD in 2019,” he told FARPost.
In 2020, with the club now in the second tier, a new passion ignited – bodybuilding. “It was just something I got passionate about. It also helped that I had a brother who was involved in it. He’s been instrumental in my transition,” he said.
His newfound passion led to his first victory in 2023 at the IFBB Novice KZN Iron Man. He continued his winning streak at the provincial and national championships, securing his spot on the world stage.
“My success in those championships gave me faith that I could do well in bodybuilding,” he added.
SINOVUYO MBOTHO SET FOR THE IFBB WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
“Winning at the national level means I’m going to represent the country in the World Championships in Iran. The World Championships will be held at Kish Island in Iran from 23 to 27 September 2024,” he shared.
“I’m happy to share the exciting news that I’ve been selected to represent South Africa at the IFBB World Championships in Iran. This is a great opportunity for me to showcase my talents on the global stage and make my country proud,” he added.
Former Pondo Chiefs chairman Nkosinathi Mqokiyana is overjoyed that he has made such remarkable progress and is now heading to the world stage.
“Seeing him progress from Pondo Chiefs to the world stage fills me with joy. It’s what you hope for – people you’ve worked with achieving their dreams,” Mqokiyana told FARPost.
Mbotho revealed that the strict dietary needs of a world-class athlete are costly.
“Qualifying for the World Championships is a dream come true, but it comes with a huge cost. The strict dietary requirements are essential but expensive. It would be a tremendous help if the corporate sector could step in and offer some support. Regardless of the outcome, just reaching this stage is a massive accomplishment for me.”
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