The 10 member MUT Bodybuilding that took part in the USSA Games at DUT’s Indumiso Campus (PMB) on 28 July 2025 came back with a ‘loot’, as one of the University team’s performances was described by a senior member of staff some years ago. The Bodybuilding team won five gold medals, one silver and one bronze. Team Coach, Max “Bulldozer” Nxumalo attributes this performance to team members adhering to his strict rules. Nxumalo said his view of sport is based on these principles – team spirit, focus, respect and discipline. Nxumalo said that if the athletes follow these principles, “definitely” this will lead to best result. “I have a very disciplined team. The athletes are passionate. I believe next year the team will be on another level. As long as MUT Sports office supports the team, we will produce the best of the best,” said Nxumalo.
Among the athletes that took part in the tournament was Pumla Nene, a third year Public Finance and Accounting student. Pumla was able to defend her accolades she won last year, much to the coach’s delight. Pumla won three gold medals in bikini 164cm, overall bikini, and best poser. Over and above adhering to the coach’s rules, Pumla attributes her success to the passion she has for the sport, and the professional relationship she has with her coach. “It is all about passion for the sport, and the love of exercising. Also, Coach Max invested so much in me so I could come out as the overall winner and the female best poser. I am forever grateful to him for believing in me,” said Pumla. Pumla first competed in the USSA in 2023 and placed fifth. She used that result as a motivation and did well last year; she reached the SA championship.
Other gold medal winners were Lindelani Mazibuko, a third-year diploma in Accounting student, and Nhlakanipho Shoba, a third year Diploma in Chemical Engineering student.
Lindelani, who placed first in the Wheelchair Bodybuilding and Male Best Poser category of the USSA tournament last year at the North-West University in Potchefstroom, said his passion for the sport is fuelled by the fact that he lives with a disability. “I can lift weights, regardless of how am built.” He said his wish was to be a professional body builder, and one day reach the Paralympics and represent South Africa. Like Pumla, Lindelani also adds to his coach’s regime. He sticks to his strict diet – starch, vegetables, and water. Lindelani also trains for two hours every day.
Nhlakanipho also attributes his grand performance to his coach. He said he had competed in the Fitness Challenge division, which is all about endurance and strength, “kind of like CrossFit, and it really pushed me to my limits”. He said without his coach’s his guidance, discipline, and belief in him, even when he doubted himself, this would not have been possible. The coach prepared him mentally and physically, “and made sure I stayed consistent. It is an honour to have represented my institution. I am just grateful to be part of something bigger than myself,” he said.
These MUT athletes will now compete in the SA Championships in August 2025.