ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: ZAMBIAN CYCLIST DAVIES KAWEMBA
- Elizabeth Muchoma
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
What began as a young boy helping his father sell charcoal in the dusty streets has turned into a story of grit, determination, and international sporting success. Today, that boy is Davies Kawemba, a national cycling champion, mechanical engineering student, and a proud representative of Zambia on the global stage.
His cycling journey began in 2021, while he was in Grade 12 at Solwezi Day Secondary School. Balancing academics with intense training proved challenging, but the passion was too strong to ignore. That same year, Kawemba earned the chance to represent Zambia in South Africa, where he claimed first place in two races.
“I was inspired by my dad when I was young,” said Kawembe.
“I used to help him sell charcoal. He would bring it home, and I would take it around to sell. It helped us pay school fees, especially at a time when we did not have free education.”
Kawembe’s road to success, however, has not been without obstacles, especially during the Preparation for the Commonwealth Games 2022. Birmingham was a major test for him.
“We did not have proper equipment like bikes, and my teammate Obert Chembe and I trained in Lusaka for only two weeks,” he said. “It was not enough, but we gave it our all.”
Under the guidance of coach Joseph Daka, Kawemba followed a strict training program to maintain peak fitness. The effort paid off, giving him invaluable exposure to international competition. He believes that with more such opportunities, Zambian cyclists can perform even better and put the sport on the global map, citing the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) as a benchmark for recognition.
“Teamwork is the secret to success in cycling,” Kawemba said. “Unfortunately, we were just two riders. In cycling, you need about 10 riders so you can strategize and decide who to work for. That’s how you win.”
His biggest challenge remains access to proper cycling equipment, a gap he hopes will be bridged to give local riders a fair shot at competing with the world’s best.
Despite the hurdles, nothing compares to the pride Kawemba felt lining up against elite cyclists from around the nations and territories. Racing at Commonwealth Games alongside some of the sport’s biggest names, he said, was a moment of joy and honor.
Away from the track, Kawemba is in his second year, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, sponsored by Kansanshi Mining. His journey is proof that sporting ambition and education can go hand in hand.
“Let’s identify our talents and balance them with school,” he advises the younger generation. “Do not just focus on one thing.
Last month, Kawemba’s hard work was rewarded yet again when he won the Zambia National Championship.
From humble beginnings selling charcoal to standing atop the podium as the nation’s best, Davies Kawemba’s journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of dreams.