Stanley Nyazamba is completing his first season with the Kickers after being drafted in the second round of the 2008 Major Indoor Soccer League College Draft by the Detroit Ignition. Nyazamba is originally from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and joined the Kickers this season after graduating from Lee University in Cleveland Tennessee. While at Lee, Stanley was a three-time All-American Conference First Team honoree and earned a place on the 2007 All-American First Team and was named a NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete his senior season. He has also played on the PDL level, spending the 2007 season with the Cape Cod Crusaders, making four assists in 14 games played.
1. What made you choose Lee University?
I liked the campus and the Head Coach (Henry Moyo) had a big influence in my decision.
2. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I have so many places I want to visit. I would say Jamaica because I would like to go to Bob Marley’s museum and also Peter Tosh’s house. I also want to visit places like Paris, London and Canada.
3. What was the first soccer team you ever played for?
I played for a team called Amazulu FC back in Zimbabwe.
4. If you weren’t playing soccer, what would you be doing?
That’s a very tough question and I have no idea what I would be doing. I guess I would be working somewhere.
5. Who is your greatest role model? Why?
My late mother is my role model and has been very influential in most of the things I do and how I view life. Everything I do is a challenge and has to be done to the best of my ability.
6. Favorite sports other than soccer?
I play a little bit of tennis, but I enjoy watching American Football and Basketball.
7. What is your favorite part about living in the US now?
I enjoy going to Florida a couple times a year. Zimbabwe is inland and we have no beaches so I am always hanging out at the beach around Tampa. And also the weather is warm just like back home.
8. What was the hardest thing about moving to the US from Zimbabwe?
Leaving all my friends and family back in Zimbabwe was the hardest part about this whole situation.
9. What do you like to do when you are not playing soccer?
I like chilling in the house. I will usually be on the computer, watching TV, or playing Winning Eleven on my PlayStation.
10. What is the best experience you have had so far?
My best experience was meeting and talking to Colombian soccer star Carlos Valderrama.
11. What do you like most about playing for the Richmond Kickers?
It’s been an unbelievable ride since coming to Richmond. I really enjoy playing at home and greatly appreciate the fans and all the support they give us each game. I also like my teammates and it’s amazing how I have been learning a lot of things from the older guys like Mike Burke, Ronnie Pascale, Freddie Smith and Sascha Görres.
