My Tennis And Cricket Ball Journey: A Conversation With Our Own Davida Davies, Playing For The Bohlsbach Tennis Club Blue White In Germany
Tennis in Sierra Leone is referred to as a sport for the rich. That’s why it is only played by a few people who can afford the materials and equipment.
During the colonial era, schools and universities ruled by our masters had tennis
courts and it was played by many. The game was played at both district and national level which later lead to the country being represented internationally. Amongst schools that had tennis courts were, Christ the King College in Bo (C.K.C), St. Francis secondary school in Makeni, Saint Edward secondary school and The Sierra Leone Grammar School both in Freetown.
Bad management, senseless war and lack of the government in promoting sport has left the game in despair. The Sierra Leone Lawn Tennis Association which is affiliated with the International Tennis Federation (ITF), has no structure in place for the running or development of tennis. A sport which was once loved by so many in the country.
Despite of all these challenges, many young people didn’t give up on their dreams of becoming a professional tennis ball player, Born in Lungi on August 8, 1999, Davida Davies is a 22 year old Sierra Leonean tennis and Cricket ball player playing for the Bohlsbach tennis club blue white in Germany, before she traveled to Germany, Davida was Sierra Leone’s under 16 long tennis champion who played the under 12, 18 and runner up for the ladies champion in 2015. Davida attended the bilingual elementary school where she completed her primary education and moved the Elim international Christian school where she completed her Junior secondary school.
Davida’s father was a great fan of tennis and cricket ball, he wanted one of his children to play the sport, despite of the limited opportunities available, at age 11, Davida’s father use to take Davida to the national stadium where she had the opportunity to play both cricket and Tennis ball.
Slowly, Davida started growing interest in the sport, she went on to playing both at national and international levels. Davida was among the women who travelled to Gambia, played cricket and won the first women cricket African champion, Davida also participated in tournament in Ghana where she took six place,
Speaking to Salone Messenger about her interest to play for Sierra Leone if she is call up, she said
“I am available if my country needs me, I am currently playing for a German club but available anytime anywhere to represent my country and make my country proud”
Connect with Davida on her social media platforms
Instagram: Davida Davies
Twitter : Davida Davies
Fcebook: Davida Davies