The Rise Of The Muz Monster

HIS JOURNEY FROM A WEIGHT PACKER AT HIS LOCAL GYM TO BODYBUILDING CHAMPION

- Werner Beukes

AT THIS YEAR’S ARNOLD CLASSIC AFRICA, BHEKUMUZI “MUZI” MALULEKE STOOD PROUD, FILLED WITH A SENSE OF PURPOSE AND WORTH ON ONE OF THE BIGGEST BODYBUILDING STAGES IN THE WORLD. It might be nothing more than yet another bodybuilding show for some, but for the 25-year-old Muzi it was ‘the’ show – the ultimate representation of his dedication to the craft of bodybuilding, which has seen him rise from humble beginnings, working out in a backyard in Soweto, to the best athlete in Africa in his weight category. Muscle Evolution caught up with this rising star to find out about his passion for bodybuilding and his drive to succeed at all costs.

Who is Muzi Maluleke?

I grew up in Soweto and was exposed to lifting weights in Mxolisi Qhanqiso's backyard after injuring my knee during soccer practice when I was 16 years old. Mxolisi was kind enough to loan me a book called “HardBody Plan” and I developed a keen interest in exercise physiology. The book was mostly about how muscle groups adapt to resistance training, biomechanics, and the various energy systems of the human body. After three months of training with just one flat bench, one barbell, two dumbbells and a core wheel, I noticed that my body was changing rapidly. I think at that point I fell in love with bodybuilding. My mom did not have extra money to pay for gym fees so I made an arrangement with Solly Shaba from Mofolo in Soweto that I would come every Sunday before church to clean the gym and his yard so I could lift weights. I did this for three years. In 2010 I decided to go to the University of Pretoria to study Sports Science. Finances were limited so I made an agreement with the head of the Sports Science division, the late Professor Kruger, that I would pack weights away each night before the Tuks Student Gym closes so I could train. I did this from 2010 till 2012 (until I graduated).