Now with Charlotte, Ssejjemba may play

When Richmond takes the field tonight in Charlotte for a United Soccer Leagues Second Division game, an old friend and former teammate likely will be greeting them.

Robert Ssejjemba, who led the Kickers to the 2006 USL2 title when he scored 18 goals, signed with the Eagles late last month after three seasons in Richmond. He missed Charlotte's first game with an injury (hip flexor) but could be available for this early-season test between USL2 contenders.

"I'm sure he'll be fit for this one," Richmond coach Leigh Cowlishaw said with a smile.

According to Charlotte coach Mark Steffens, "He's coming around, but he's not 100 percent yet. We're hoping he'll play, but it's probably going to be a game-time decision."

Ssejjemba scored eight goals for the Kickers last season but missed several games at the end of the regular season and the playoffs to be with his ailing father in Uganda.

Did the Kickers make an effort to re-sign Ssejjemba?

"We did a little bit, early in the season last year," Cowlishaw said. "But I think it was clear, as the season went on, with his performance, it just didn't seem like he was interested in being with the Kickers long term.

"I think Charlotte is the perfect fit for him, with his beliefs and what he does in the community. They do a lot of missionary work. I think they're going to work with him in Uganda. He's an exceptional player for this league and we're figuring out how we're going to replace him."

Tough road stretch

After opening with a 3-0 victory over Western Mass. at home Saturday, Richmond plays its next three games on the road. It's still early, but Cowlishaw believes this is an important stretch.

"We have to pick up as many points as possible," he said. "You don't want to get too high or low on results this early, but you want to make sure that you get yourself positioned for a playoff spot early in the season. Especially when you have a lot of home games near the end. It's going to be tricky because winning games away from home is not easy. I'd prefer to be at the top of the table and not try to play catch-up near the end."

After tonight, Richmond goes to Crystal Palace Baltimore and Western Mass. before returning home May 24 vs. Charlotte.

Nyazamba makes presence felt quickly

Midfielder Stanley Nyazamba made a quick impression when he entered in the 85th minute against Western Mass. The native of Zimbabwe was pulled down in the 18-yard box, setting up a penalty kick by David Bulow that closed out the scoring.

"We're ecstatic about being able to pick him up last minute," Cowlishaw said. "He's somebody we were interested in from day one, when we saw him. I think he fits the way we like to play. Very skillful, very attacking, and very athletic as well. He can cause problems for teams." - John Packett