BILLY Nzojyibwami, a US-based Rwandan forward, has expressed in representing Rwanda should the national team coaches give him a call-up in future competitions. The 25-year-old features for Central Methodist University (CMU), a third division side in the American league hierarchy. Born to a Rwandan mother and Burundian father, Nzojyibwami says he would prefer to play for Rwanda. “I’m in good shape and ready to represent my country. I have been scoring goals for my club and I believe I can do the same for Amavubi. I will be available if coaches call me up.” He spoke to Weekend Sport’s Peter Kamasa about his football career, and life overseas in general. Excerpts; 1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your football journey My name is Billy Nzojyibwami, aged 25, and I was born in Kigali. I started playing football in academy when I moved to the Netherlands at the age of 8, then played in the Dutch second division youth league at 15. Three years later, I was signed by ASWH in the senior third tier where I played until I came to the US for college football in 2019. Billy Nzojyibwami, 25, plays for Central Methodist University in the American third division league.. Net photo. Upon arriving in the US, I first played for William Woods University for two seasons and now I am with CMU. 2. What has your football experience been like so far, and what do you know about Rwanda? In my football career, I have been blessed with opportunities to play in different places and achieve many things. Living and playing in American has shaped my character, and improved my game a lot. What I can say about Rwanda is that it is a very prospering country. Unfortunately, I have not had a chance to visit again since leaving in 2003. 3. Why are you interested in playing for Rwanda? I think being able to represent my country is a blessing and a great honour. It would make me and my family really proud. 4. Your young brother has been called up in the Burundi national team; it doesn’t make you want to change your mind? No, it doesn’t change my mind at all. In the end, everyone has a different journey and I am happy for him that he is able to represent his father’s country. 5. How is your current situation at CMU? I feel good at the club, and I am a regular starter, which brings a lot of calmness and ability to focus more and try my best to help the team. We topped the regional league this season, and reached the semi-finals at the national level. 6. What has been your biggest challenge as of now and how did you overcome it? I think my latest biggest challenge was to move to the USA, by myself in a new environment. I struggled in the first few months but overcame it by just focusing on why I was here and what needed to be accomplished. After that, everything started falling into place. 7. What has been your biggest achievement so far? In my first year in the USA, I won the best player of the year award, best newcomer, league top scorer and I was in the first all-American team in my division. I am also proud that I have been able to adapt easily in a different country, not just on the field, but also at school. 8. Which position do you play? Your favorite position on the field? My favorite position on the field is as a left-winger/position 11, but, I am also just as comfortable on 8 and 10 positions. 9. How do you balance your studies, football, and regular life? In my opinion, the best way to balance studying, football and life is planning ahead. Living away from families has taught me to be responsible, and improved my multitasking abilities. 10. How do you relate to Rwanda having lived most of your life abroad? I love my country, and I keep in mind that it’s where my roots are. My mother has also been a great influence in making sure that I don’t forget my mother language. 11. Any favourite Rwandan food? My favorite dish is Isombe with rice. 12. Favorite Rwandan musicians? Richard Nick Ngendahayo (song: Niwe) and Meddy (song: Sibyo).
