AT the age of 31, one would think Zambia’s tennis ace Edgar Kazembe is slowly losing steam and nearing the final chapters of his career, but to the contrary, Kazembe still has the stamina and prowess to surge for more silverware before he calls it quits.
His recent run of results on the local and international scenes, have clearly indicated that the number one seed is on top of his game and his grip at the summit of the local tournaments is as tight as it has always been the previous years.
During the Zambia Closed Championship held at Ndola Tennis Club on Monday last week, it took Kazembe two hours 30 minutes to dethrone defending champion Nkumbu Chonya in the men singles final that was full of sparks by the two lads from the onset right to the final set.
Sharing a set apiece, Kazembe emerged stronger and more lethal in the final as he played with purpose and once he hit the zone, the match was over.
A high flier when holding a racquet, with all the modern bits and pieces: big serves and outstanding fitness, the right-handed Kazembe showed why he is top seeded against second seed Chonya and as the ranking stands, the latter was second best on that day.
Kazembe’s strokes looked like they came from a model, and despite his stiff way of serving, he was very solid with his movement.
He is always at his best when he slugs away with his fearless attitude and fearsome strokes. He controls his forehand with perfection and his backhand can wind up and rip with line drive power across the court or up the line.
With the 2014 Zambian Open Championship yet to be staged, Kazembe looks set to defending the title he has won in last two consecutive years with the First Quantum Minerals (FQM) sponsored 2013 edition held at Lusaka Club; where he reigned supreme to see off Zimbabwe’s Martin Dzuwa in the final with splendor.
For years now, Kazembe has devoted himself to the game full-time and his involvement on the circuit spans for over a decade, with him dominating the local scene while making inroads on the continent.
The tennis fraternity has always hailed his dramatic shot-making, his modesty, and his agility; the qualities that have made him remain one of Zambia’s memorable torch bearers who might just win a major tournament one day.
Kazembe has relentlessly swept through various championships on the continent that include the Real Insurance Kenya Open Championship title and the Botswana Open Championship title.
At the Botswana Open, he captured the doubles title and finished second in singles in addition to leading the Zambia team at the Davis Cup competing in the All-Africa Games in December 2012
He has sown the seeds of an all-conquering figure that has seen capture a number of titles on home and foreign soils.
Interestingly, no other player has been able to dislodge Kazembe from the helm of the national ranking which he has topped since 2008 and each he is in action, he grows more confident than ever before while perfecting his skills and movements.
He seems less intimidated by emerging young players with his experience and maturity that has allowed him to sits comfortably at the summit for a long time.
Tough and tested are the words that would properly summarise Kazembe’s achievements and his dominance in Zambia’s tennis.
Upcoming players need exceeding strength and skill to topple him from the number one spot on the national ranking but with his strong and an aggressive mental ability when playing, it will be an uphill battle to displace him from the top.

He has reveled in his triumphs, thanks to hard work and a high level of discipline; the two characteristics that young players should always embraced if they are to reach greater heights.
But for all his skill and precision, he simply has not broken through to major world tournaments such as the Australian Open or the Spanish Open among others, where big names in the likes of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
This is partly because of lack of support to tennis that is one of the minor sports in Zambia that continue to wrestle with financial constraints.
One man, who also deserves a pat on the back for Kazembe’s success, is Teddy Chambisha, the current national team coach.
Chambisha has drilled Kazembe on several international assignments where the latter has performed exceptionally well.
As a player, Kazembe has battled adversity and has had a long spell enjoying the top with a unique appreciation for the hard work as a road to success.
With all his supremacy on the courts, he is one of the additions to a talented crop of tennis coaches in Zambia.
As his body is slowly breaking down, he is already helping others to acquire the toughness and confidence to win big.
Currently drilling the Lusaka based ‘So Chabe’ Academy, Kazembe became coach-player in 14- years-ago before attending a coaching in Ndola in 2008 and who knows, he might just be the most important and force for change on the tennis scene.
Looking at his illustrious career, Kazembe clearly understands how to win championships, and how to play with confidence.
He is therefore best suited to transfer his technical knowhow of the game to upcoming stars and what is so amazing is his active involvement in playing as well as coaching that makes him one of the rare breeds in the sport.
Kazembe has set an example that age does not limit a .player from achieving the best results but one has to be focused and determined to reach that level in tennis.
It is nearly time for the Zambia Open Championship; a time that Kazembe well understands from his past, and a third title in a row under his name will cement his supremacy.
We can only wish him the best as prepares for the grind and adversity ahead as he also shapes up his players to get set for war and play with confidence.
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