Brawn and brains a lethal combo for Witsie
BRAAMFONTEIN – Wits student lays bare his love for bodybuilding and his dreams of making it into the big time.
‘The pen is just as mighty as the muscle’. For one Wits student, this self-coined mantra puts into clear perspective the two things that matter to him most; the pursuit of his studies and basking in the glory of a developing amateur bodybuilding career.
Phillip Msimango (21) is a muscle-bound sophomore electrical engineering student with a penchant for muscle building. While obtaining a BSc degree is top of mind for the Klerksdorp native, amassing prestige in a sport synonymous with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronnie Coleman and Lee Haney, would be the icing on the cake.
“The first time I fell in love with bodybuilding was back in 2012 while in Grade 11,” he told City Buzz. “I did not like to do other things like partying or playing any other sport [but instead] went to the gym. By the time I came to varsity I was already a little bigger. I made friends with guys in the gym, and that’s when I got exposure to bodybuilding. From that point on I never looked back.”
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Speaking on balancing the high demand of being a student at Wits and ensuring that his always in tip-top shape, Msimango said, “The truth of the matter is that it is not easy. I’m still young and would also love to have a social life, however, I told myself that if I want to reach my goals I will have to prioritise,” adding, “I don’t have to have lots of friends, but instead have friends who do the same thing and have the same dreams. I’ve had to cut out my social life and just focus on the two things that are important to me school and bodybuilding.”
Since competing in his inaugural competition, the Klerksdorp Classic, in April last year, Msimango said he plans to pursue a career as a professional bodybuilder, however, ensuring that his qualification holds him in good stead. “I aim to compete in the South African Nationals under the International Federation of Body Builders this year. It is one of the competitions that will give me exposure to the sport of bodybuilding,” he said.
“Eventually, I want to be a professional bodybuilder and compete in Mr Olympia (an annual international bodybuilding competition). The sport comes with difficulties, including expensive diets and supplements, which, as a student, I can’t afford. It is also difficult to get sponsors unless you have connections. As such, I will use my qualification to establish myself financially. My plan is to become a professional bodybuilder one day and a businessman.”
Edited by Beryl Knipe
