A talented and passionate female cyclist from Namibia, Angela Kamati is steadily making a name for herself in the world of cycling. Kamati, who is currently planning on registering to study for a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and Statistics at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, is driven by the desire to see more investment and support for female athletes in the sport. In an exclusive interview with New Era Sport, she shared her inspiring journey, the challenges she faces, and her hopes for the future of women’s cycling in Namibia.
Love for cycling that started with family
Her journey into cycling was sparked by her father, a sports enthusiast who instilled a love for physical activity in his children. “My father believed in the freedom and joy that sports bring. He made it a tradition to gift bicycles to my siblings and me,” she recalled. “On weekends, we’d ride together at the Youth Complex field, where he patiently taught us how to ride.”
For Kamati, these early moments weren’t just about learning to ride a bike – they were about creating memories filled with laughter, encouragement, and a sense of accomplishment. “Looking back, those rides planted the seeds of my love for cycling,” she reflected.
It wasn’t until she joined Physically Active Youth that her passion for cycling truly blossomed. “I realised I had a natural talent for cycling. The exhilaration of riding and the joy of being part of a community made it more than just a hobby – it became my passion,” she shared.
Family has been a pillar of support throughout Kamati’s journey. “I live in a supportive household with my mom, dad, and four siblings – one brother and three sisters,” she added. Her brother, who shares her love for sports, has always been involved in football. “He spends much of his time on the field with his friends, but the shared love for physical activity in our family certainly shaped my path,” said the cyclist.
Inspirational mentor
Although her role model isn’t a cyclist, Kamati credits her hockey coach Erwin Handura for significantly shaping her approach to both sports and life. Before diving into cycling, she played hockey, and it was Handura who helped her develop discipline and work ethic. “He taught me invaluable lessons – discipline, hard work, and the belief that talent and effort can turn dreams into reality,” she said.
What the athlete found most inspiring about Handura was his unwavering belief in his athletes, even when they doubted themselves. “He believed in us when we didn’t believe in ourselves,” she noted.
Reflecting on his influence, Kamati added, “Looking back, I owe much of my mindset and success to him, and I’ll always be grateful for his guidance.”
Overcoming challenges in women’s cycling
Like many athletes, Kamati has faced her share of obstacles in her cycling career. “Cycling is definitely challenging,” she admitted. “But what I wish is that my community could offer more financial support and encouragement, especially for female cyclists. It’s essential that we receive the backing we need to excel.”
Despite these challenges, she remains optimistic and emphasises the importance of perseverance and community support, especially for women in sport. “If we continue to push forward and support each other, we can overcome these hurdles,” she said.
Demanding training routine
Kamati’s commitment to training is clear. Her schedule is demanding, as she strives to stay in top form. “I train for an hour, from Tuesday to Thursday, and occasionally take long rides with my team on Saturdays,” she continued. “Mondays are dedicated to off-bike strength and conditioning exercises.”
When preparing for competitions, her focus sharpens. “I focus on race-specific training, combining long rides and sprints to build both endurance and speed. It’s all about striking the right balance between skills’ development and race-readiness.”
Setting goals for the future
Kamati has set ambitious goals for both short and long-term. “In the short-term, I aim to break into the top 10 in the upcoming U/23 races. The goal is to continue gaining experience and improving my performance,” she said. Looking further ahead, Kamati hopes to earn a cycling scholarship. “I want to study at Stellenbosch University or Marian University while continuing my cycling career. I want to combine academic success with my passion for cycling,” she shared.
Balancing academics and athletics
Balancing academics and athletics are a challenge, but she has learned to manage both. “It’s about prioritising and knowing when to focus fully on one commitment while temporarily pausing the other. The key is always giving 100% to whatever you’re doing.”
A defining moment
One of her proudest moments came at the 2024 Nedbank Desert Dash, an event that left a lasting impression on her. “Being part of a team with my friends was incredible. “Their dedication kept me motivated, and the support we shared was heartwarming.
Pushing through tough moments together while surrounded by breathtaking scenery made the experience truly special. It was a perfect blend of challenge and inspiration,” Kamati recalled.
Competing internationally
The cyclist has had the opportunity to compete on an international stage, and these experiences have left her with valuable memories. “Competing in the Ride for Joburg was one of the toughest races I’ve ever faced,” she said. “The steep routes were grueling, but finishing second in my category was a proud moment.”
Another standout event in her international career was the two-day MTB school race in Britz, South Africa. “The course was challenging, but the people’s warmth and energy made the event so much fun. Finishing ninth and 10th in my category was a win, surrounded by such a spirited community,” she said.
Supporting female cyclists in Namibia
Kamati believes that young female cyclists need a supportive environment, financial backing, and strong coaching to succeed. “A great coach can make all the difference,” she said. “I am incredibly fortunate to have been guided by coach Jafet Amukushu, who has played a pivotal role in shaping my career.”
Empowering women through cycling
The cyclist envisions cycling as a powerful tool for empowering women in sports. “Women in sports are often overlooked, but we can change that by having inspiring figures pushing us into the spotlight,” she said. “I want to be one of those figures, helping to pave the way for the next generation of female cyclists in Namibia.”
She is deeply committed to raising awareness about the challenges women face in sports and advocating for greater recognition and investment in female athletes. “I see myself as a part of this movement – helping the next generation reach greater heights in cycling,” Kamati said. -lmupetami@nepc.com.na