He started bodybuilding in Khutsong’s Xhosa Section with friends in 1998. Little did he know that this hobby, which he originally did only on weekends, would take him overseas.
‘I first started playing soccer but did not really find it very interesting. I then started bodybuilding. It was difficult as we had to exercise in a shack,’ Msiwa tells.
He never gave up, however, but continued practising until 2011, when he started competing seriously. He won his first position, the sixth place at the North West Championship of the IFBB (International Federation of Body Building and Fitness) the same year.
He scooped the fifth position the next year and ended up being the runner-up at the same event in 2015. His hard work and experience in competing helped a great deal when Msiwa ended up as the runner-up at the International Body Building Federation’s national championship in Kempton Park in September 2017.
This achievement paved the way for him to qualify for the Mr Universe Competition in Taranto in Italy in October last year. During this event, he again showed what he was made of when he came second in his category for body- builders under 1.77 m who weighed less than 70 kg.
This year, Msiwa again held Merafong’s name high.
Among other places, he was also the runner-up at the NABBA (National Amateur Body-Builders’ Association) Gauteng provincial championships in Sandton on 18 August. He also excelled at another competition in Secunda, Mpumalanga, where he qualified for the World Fitness Federation’s national championships.
During this event, which was held at Unisa in Pretoria on 29 October, Msiwa scored a fourth place.
In the seasons in which he competes, like now, Msiwa practises for two hours a day. To keep his whole body in top shape, these sessions include lifting weights and spinning, among other training.
His diet comprises seven meals a day and includes18 eggs and 10 litres of water. The high protein is particularly important because it builds muscle.
Msiwa manages to stick to this diet, even though he cannot take food with him when he works underground for Sibanye-Stillwater.
‘Although one has to practise a lot, most of a bodybuilder’s success lies in the diet. This is something that many youngsters do not understand, he says.
Jaco Smith of Bear Fitness Gym currently assists Msiwa with supplements and training.
The bodybuilder also practises at Isaac’s Gym in Khutsong.
Msiwa invites young bodybuilders who are interested in learning more about the sport to contact him at 082 792 4063.
Anyone who may be able to help him out with more supplements so he can qualify for more competitions this season is also welcome to call.
