Two Zambian nationals Paul Mwanza and Mazwell Kangede have been crowned gold and silver medallist respectively in the men’s open category at the Strongest Man – Botswana contest that was held in Gaborone on the 2nd August 2025.
Maun athlete Ahmed Abouelela failed to defend his title after earning a third-place finish. In the women’s open category Zimbabwe and Africa’s strongwoman, Chido Maenzanise scooped a gold medal, while local athletes Ketsile Sam and Betsi Kgari walked away with silver and bronze medals respectively.
The Botswana’s Strongest Man competition had attracted 12 athletes from Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The event was organised by Major Muscle and Fitness Company and it was open to athletes all over the world.
The various events that were feature in the competition included truck pull, deadlift, tire flip, load and push, farmers walk, barbell press, farmers walk, bucket/object hold, load and push(small car), tyre flip, square for reps and small car push.
The men’s prices included a vehicle and P2 500 supplements for first price, P6 500 cash and P1 000 supplements for second price while the third price walked away with P3 000 and P500 supplements. The fittest woman 2025 event women’s prizes were P3 000 cash and P2 500 supplements for first price, P1 500 cash and P1 000 supplements for second prize, prize P1 000 cash and P750 supplements for third prize.
In an interview, Major Muscle and Fitness Company Managing Director Edward Maloiso said that the contestant is a created platform for athletes to get more competition experience and to prepare the athletes for upcoming international competitions.
According to him, strongman sport has been growing at a steady pace in Botswana. Added that they expect accelerated growth due to the success and the support they received at this year’s Botswana’s Strongest Man event.
The Maun based athlete Abouelala has told Times Sport that he suffered an ankle injury in April this year which hindered his performance at the competition.
“If I was not injured I could have beaten my contenders easily but it has happened and it is done, so I will see what happens in the next competition,” he said.
