The heat ManWatch competition, now in its fourth year, once again invited regular guys from all over the country to show off their good looks and hot bodies, with one fortunate hottie ultimately walking away as the winner. More than 10 000 votes were received with Muller voted in the top spot by far.

Says Andre Neveling, editor of heat magazine: “Kobus has come a long way since his days as a contestant in Supersterre. He embarked on a strenuous fitness regime over a year ago and the results are fantastic. He also managed to put together a successful marketing strategy, which is another big part of the competition.”

Muller says that in 2011 he was so underweight that he was weighing below 60kg. “I was self conscious to remove my shirt when I went swimming as I was too skinny. At my shows people always asked me if I ate enough. Last July, my management team took me to a biokineticist to help me gain weight. I had to set a twelve month goal and heat ManWatch was the perfect incentive, as I wanted to feel confident and good about myself. After seeing the success of all the previous winners, I was determined to work hard at it. The goal, seven days a week of training, a permanent eating plan and dedication helped me to gain weight and feel good about my body.”

After hearing the news that he walked away as the overall winner in this year’s heat ManWatch, Muller says he was extremely overwhelmed and excited. “My hard work paid off. I’ll make use of this opportunity to motivate people to reach their individual goals. Everything is achievable through hard work and dedication,” he says.

The first person he told was Karin Geldenhuys, who has been his mentor and biggest critic over the past five years. “At first I told her I didn’t make it. She was very supportive and said that I can always enter next year and I should never give up. I then told her I was only joking and she was ecstatic.”

Muller says that heat ManWatch is a very sought-after title with unlimited opportunities which will undoubtedly open doors for him, hopefully both locally and internationally.

Although it might seem as if Muller has it all, he says it comes with a lot of hard work. As he states: “If having it all means getting up early in the mornings at 3am or 4am to jog, training seven days a week for no less than three hours, driving thousands of kilometres each month, and changing my braaivleis to a healthy lifestyle, then I guess I have it all. To quote Gary Player: ‘The more I practice, the luckier I get.’”

As a full time singer Muller already has four CDs available nationwide. His latest album, Alles en Meer, is currently nominated for a Huisgenoot Tempo Award for 'Best Sokkie-Dance album' for 2012. “We’ve also recently recorded a tribute album to Engelbert Humperdinck. According to my record label, Big Boy Records, EMI will distribute this album towards the end of July 2012. It’s going very well with my singing career. I’m blessed with an amazing record label, management team and the most awesome fans. I’m also an official underwear model for PhD Underwear,” he says.

Muller jokingly says that he is currently in a relationship with a ‘virgin’. “That’ll be Virgin Active. I prefer to be single at the moment as my music career, modelling and training programme takes up a lot of time, and I would like to explore my aspirations to become an actor. My biggest dream is to be a well-respected singer, actor, performer and model.”

As part of his heat ManWatch prize, Muller will be getting a walk-on part on popular soapie 7de Laan and the opportunity to audition for a permanent role. “Wow. 7de Laan is a household name and one of the most popular soapies. Can you imagine becoming part of that family? I’m so looking forward to this,” he says. Muller also walked away with R10 000 cash and a shoot in heat magazine.

Muller says he enjoys being in the spotlight. “I’m a born entertainer and the food of any performer is the applause and appreciation of the public. I’m an outgoing person and love being around other people and making new friends,” he states.

His secret to his success and philosophy to life is to dream big and to live his dreams. In his free time, he enjoys photography and horse riding.

“Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. Be humble and never take things for granted. Family, friends, supporters and even enemies should all be treated with respect and gratitude, as their support is the very reason for any performer’s success,” he concludes.

For more of heat ManWatch 2012, get the latest issue of heat Also visit manwatch.heat.co.za and www.heat.co.za.