The four time champion calls it quits at the age of 31.

‘Mbewe’ Chienderawano is a four time Mr Zimbabwe champion. Over the last few years he has dealt with considerable adversity, even pulling out of the competition one year due to a shoulder injury. Now Mbewe has decided to move on from bodybuilding and pursue business interests in his adoptive country of Botswana.

The 31 year old began bodybuilding at only 17 years old while he was still enrolled at Mbizo High School as an Ordinary Level student. His accolades include Iron Man Botswana, Mr Botswana, Mr Musclemania, and Mr Ironman Zimbabwe.

Mbewe’s most thrilling rival and often runner-up Goredema won the 2015 Mr Zimbabwe in Mbewe’s absence and was also riding high off of a spectacular third place finish at the April 2017 Arnold Classic in South Africa.

His latest win was his most dominant. Before a packed auditorium at 7 Arts, Chiendaramwano took home championship status and cemented himself as a truly special athlete.

Mbewe told Herald.Zo:

“I am happy and thank the judges for making me the winner. It was very competitive and the guys are working so hard so winning it means I did a lot.”

Coming back to regain the title after a career-threatening injury seemed to be the perfect closing chapter to Mbewe’s career. He is quick to emphasize that he still expects to be a major player in regional bodybuilding, despite being done with the stage.

“I’m retiring as a competitive bodybuilder but I am not retiring from bodybuilding. I will be available to help bodybuilders and also the National Federation in whatever way they would want me to.

“Retirement is not failure but part of growth. It’s a stage that every athlete passes through and it is not abandonment.”

Wise words from a great competitor. We wish Mbewe nothing but the best as he closes out an excellent career. Hopefully he can continue to be a guiding light in African bodybuilding throughout retirement.

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