A new star has emerged on the Zambian Cycling scene, Davies Kawemba, made his Commonwealth debut at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in England held from 28 July to 8 August 202.
Despite his lack of much-needed experience at a competition of such magnitude, Kawemba quickly proved that he was a force to be reckoned with as he took on some of the world's best cyclists.
Kawemba’s journey to the Commonwealth Games was not an easy one. Growing up in Zambia where cycling is not fancied as a sport by the general citizenry, he had to overcome numerous obstacles and challenges to reach the international stage.
He spends countless hours training, honing his skills, and perfecting his technique, but it is his relentless determination and unwavering spirit that truly sets him apart.
The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games offered Kawemba the chance to prove himself against some of the best cyclists in the world.
“Competing in cross country and road race at the Commonwealth Games was a wonderful experience that motivated me to work extra hard and enabled me to know and be able to identify good equipment that I need to use coupled with good nutrition for me to be ready for major competitions,” he said.
The Birmingham 2022 Games marked just the beginning for Davies Kawemba, his target is to compete in the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) standard competition such as the Tour de France in the near future.
Shortly after making his debut in the Commonwealth Games, Kawemba competed in the National Championships organized by the Cycling Association of Zambia (CAZ).
“I put in a lot of effort and dedication in training and preparations to win the Zambia under 23 national championships, I must say it was an incredible experience to race at the Union Cyclist International (UCI) level,” he said.
He added on saying that he has a mindset that never gives up and he spends time encouraging his fellow youths to identify their talents and focus as most prefer to indulge in bad vices which he has avoided to focus on his cycling career.
“The only time I make available is for training kids in different schools and after my personal training sessions, I go back home to rest and prepare for the next day which has made me not have a lot of friends,” he added.
In the author’s various conversations with the national team coach leading to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Coach Ryan Ellis described Kawemba as someone who is ‘SPECIAL’ and has a very bright future in Cycling.
Kawemba’s final plea while being interviewed for this article was for the corporate world to come on board to support the sport of Cycling and the Zambian sports fraternity in general.
This Zambian sensation who races for Kansanshi Cycling Club based in Solwezi has already captured the hearts of fans and made a name for himself on the local stage. With his unwavering determination and exceptional talent, there is no doubt that we will be hearing a lot more from this rising star soon.
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