Who Will Be Our Next Cover Guy?
Entries for the 2026 Men’s Health Cover Search are officially closed.
Together with TROJAN Home Fitness Equipment and Gear, we set out to find a man who embodies the qualities at the heart of our brand: someone who is healthy, confident and strong, lives a fitness-fuelled lifestyle, and inspires others to follow in his footsteps.
Thank you to everyone who entered and shared their story. The search is now in its final stage, so stay tuned to discover who will earn his place on the cover of Men’s Health.
COVER GUY ISSUE ON SHELVES: 28 AUGUST 2026
Meet the Cover GUY Top 8 Finalists
Take a look at their profiles and read their inspiring stories.

Connor Botha
“I have always been drawn to pushing myself physically. I played professional rugby overseas in Canada, which built my foundation of discipline and consistency. After rugby, I moved into bodybuilding to test my mental resilience even further, and since 2023 I have been focused on boxing, a sport that keeps me honest and removes all shortcuts. Training has also become a key part of how I manage anxiety, giving me structure and grounding in my daily life. I am not trying to be perfect, I just show up, stay consistent and put in the work, even when it is not easy. That is the approach I bring to health, fitness and life.”

Duke Makina
“I am a brand strategist, content creator and HYROX athlete who believes performance extends far beyond the gym or race day. Born in the Eastern Cape and raised across multiple countries, I have developed a global perspective shaped by discipline, resilience and continuous growth. Fitness has taught me lessons that carry into every part of my life, including consistency, preparation, adaptability and the confidence to keep showing up when things get difficult. I believe true health is about more than building a stronger body, it is about building a stronger life and unlocking your full potential across every arena.”

Sabelosenkosi Mathonsi
“From sprinting on the rugby field at seven years old to watching Dragon Ball Z and thinking, ‘I want to look like that someday,’ fitness has always been my life. Over the years I’ve built a physique that people describe as an anime character come to life, but for me it’s always been about discipline, consistency and living the lifestyle fully. Coming full circle from being the inspired kid to becoming the real-world inspiration for others means everything to me. I know what it takes to live and breathe this journey, and I’m ready to represent what true dedication looks like.”

Samuel Aitken
“Fitness has become more than just training for me, it’s a lifestyle built on discipline, consistency and self-improvement. I’ve learned that true strength is not just about having a great physique, but about the commitment, resilience and mindset it takes to build it. I want to show that hard work and dedication always pay off and inspire others to pursue a healthier, more confident version of themselves through consistency and purpose.”

Shaun Farrell
“Growing up without my dad being present shaped me in ways I only fully understand now. For a long time, I thought being a man meant proving my worth, but over the years I’ve learned that true strength comes from character, consistency and how you show up when no one is watching. Fitness became my vehicle for growth, and endurance challenges like Warrior Races, the Fortuner Challenge and an open water swim from Robben Island have taught me that the biggest battles are often internal. Today I continue to chase ambitious goals, including qualifying for the HYROX Mixed Doubles World Championships, but I am most proud of the person I have become through the process. I want to represent resilience, grit and the idea that your circumstances do not define your future.”

Sifiso Ngobeni
“I am a medical practitioner with a focus on orthopedics and urology, and a core leader at Vault Strength Club, one of South Africa’s largest social running communities. For me, health is leadership in action. Whether I am treating patients, leading runners or pursuing my own athletic goals, I am driven by the same purpose: to show what is possible when discipline, resilience and purpose come together. I believe the Men’s Health Cover Guy is more than a physique, it is a symbol of impact. I want to represent the man who shows up when it is hard, leads from the front and inspires others to take ownership of their health and future.”

Wiseman Zitha
“I am a Limpopo-born multi-award-winning actor, model, brand experience tastemaker and founder of UEL Hair Studio. My journey spans fitness, fashion and storytelling, with a focus on inspiring young people from rural backgrounds to believe in what is possible. I have starred in productions such as Giyani: Land of Blood, Queen Modjadji and Blood Legacy, while building a career across fashion and brand partnerships. I believe I represent discipline, resilience and modern masculinity. My commitment to health, personal growth and excellence allows me to inspire others to take ownership of their well-being and pursue their goals regardless of where they come from.”

Zubair Abrahams
“I am passionate about fitness, health and inspiring others to become the best version of themselves. My journey has been built on consistency, discipline and a commitment to living a healthy lifestyle naturally. What started as a personal goal to improve my health has grown into a passion for motivating others through my fitness content, sharing workouts, running and daily habits to show that goals are achievable with dedication and hard work. I want to represent everyday people who are working hard to improve themselves and prove that with the right mindset, anything is possible.”
Faqs
Can I enter MH Cover Search if I have appeared on the MH cover previously?
Unfortunately not.
What will the judging process entail?
Take a look at the entry process above.
Is there a cut-off age for entering the MH Cover Search competition?
No, but you have you to be 18 years or older to enter.
What is MH looking for in a winning physique?
All bodies are strong bodies!
On what basis will an entry be disqualified?
You have to live in South Africa from the time the competition opens (1 May 2026) until the end of the campaign (31 October 2026).
What will be expected of the winner?
Be a motivated and inspiring ambassador for Men’s Health.
Will my entry be affected in any way if I already have a commercial sponsor?
No. However, only on the day of the Top 8 shoot, you will not be able to promote your personal sponsor/brand.
Will my entry be affected in any way if I already have a commercial sponsor?
No. However, you will not be able to promote your personal sponsor/brand for the duration of the competition if you are selected as part of our Top 20.
What do the winners win?
Not only will you earn a spot on our coveted cover and take part in our exclusive Cover Search feature in the mag, our sponsors have been incredibly generous with gifts and prizes for the top 8 finalists. Watch this space!







