So obvious was the choice, said Stanley Nyazamba, that, well, there really never was a choice.
Nyazamba, a capable and creative midfielder, hesitated for only the briefest of moments before choosing to return to the Richmond Kickers in 2011 after spending two seasons in pursuit of success on higher plateaus.
"I like everything about the Kickers," said Nyazamba, a 28-year-old from Zimbabwe. "I like the organization. I like the coaches. I like the style they play. I like the other players. I like the way I fit in. I'm very comfortable here — which is exactly what I expected, and which is exactly why I wanted to come back."
In particular, Nyazamba appreciates the willingness of Kickers coach Leigh Cowlishaw to let him play the attacking midfield position for which he believes himself best suited.
"I think that's one of the reasons why I fit in so well (in Richmond)," Nyazamba said. "I'm playing my natural position. When you're playing on a team you like, and your coaches have enough faith in you to put you in the right position, and you know your teammates trust you — that's when good things happen."
Good things happened with regularity during the Kickers' 2008 season. Nyazamba, an NAIA All-American from Lee University, scored eight goals, earned USL-2 rookie of the year distinction and helped the Kickers reach the semifinals of the playoffs. Then the Columbus Crew of MLS beckoned.
Nyazamba made one appearance with Columbus in the 2009 MLS season — in a U.S. Open Cup match that did not count in the MLS standings. Last year, he collected two assists in 25 appearances with FC Tampa Bay, an NASL club. But now he again seems to be flourishing. He scored the only goal in the Kickers' 1-0 exhibition victory over the Carolina RailHawks and added another goal in Richmond's 2-0 opening night victory over Orlando City. Comfort zone, indeed.
"The thing that makes him such a dangerous offensive weapon, I think, is the fact that he's so unpredictable," Cowlishaw said. "As a defender, you're never quite sure what he's going to do with the ball. He's a very good passer — good vision, excellent range.
"But he can also score when you give him an opening."
Nyazamba said he marvels frequently at the serpentine path along which the sport is leading him.
"But that's the beauty of soccer," he said. "You never know where it might take you."
He said he regards each stop on his journey as "a blessing. I try always to be thankful for the opportunities that come my way."
Especially this one.
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