James Rowe interviewed Domzale striker Shamar Nicholson exclusively for WFi. They discussed his time playing football back in Kingston, Jamaica, his biggest influences, and his move to Europe.
You signed for Slovenian club Domzale in 2017. How are you enjoying your time there so far and how would you describe the club?
I am really enjoying my time at the club so far. I have learned a lot since I arrived here, and there is still so much more to learn.
I am pleased to be part of the first team and I believe that Domzale is a really good place for young players to develop.
You played three seasons (2014 – 2017) for Boys Town FC in your native Jamaica. How do you look back on your time at the club and do you have any particular highlights or memories?
Boys Town FC is my boyhood club, and there will always a special place in my heart for the club.
It is the only club I played for before I came to Domzale. Boys Town are from Kingston where I lived, and were I was born and raised.
My time there was really good and I do not regret a single moment. They are a good club, particularly for young players.
Over the last four years that manage to get the best young players from Jamaica. There is a lot of talent at the club which comes directly from the local community.
You have been capped by your country of Jamaica. How do you look back on your experiences playing for your country so far. Do you have memories of playing specific matches?
Playing for my country helped me develop as a footballer and prepare me for international level.
Therefore, at this moment when I go back to my country to represent Jamaica I know what it takes.
My debut against the United States in a friendly helped bring me to Domzale.
What can you tell me about current Jamaican national team manager Theodore Whitmore? What qualities does he have as a manager?
Theodore Whitmore is a coach with a football brain who also went to the World Cup as a player in 1998.
He gets on very well with his players. For me he has a lot of quality in regards to how he views the game and how he wants to play football.
You are still very young and have stated in this interview you feel that you still learning and gaining match experience. Are there players you have played alongside in your career so far that have stood out for you?
I was fortunate to play with many good Jamaican players, but I would say my current Domzale teammate Senijad Ibricic.
Our captain is a very gifted midfielder who represented Bosnia & Herzegovina at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
I can imagine as a striker that you have faced many difficult opponents. Are there an particular opponents you have faced that tested you more than others?
I can’t think of many specific opponents, but during my time playing in Jamaica I had difficult moments playing against the bigger clubs such as Arnett Gardens FC.
Finally, Shamar, we spoke about your move from Jamaica to Europe. Can I ask who are the managers who have been influential in your career so far, and key to your development as a professional footballer?
Ricardo Gardner helped me a lot. He was my manager in the Jamaican under 20 team. He had experience playing in the Premier League for Bolton Wanderers.
He always told me that I have got what it takes to be one of the best strikers in the world, and that it will still take a lot of hard work and dedication.
I must also mention alongside him, Altimont Butler, who worked with him in the Jamaican under 20 setup.
I must not forget Andrew Price and Leon Hardware. They are the two coaches that I had at Boys Town FC in the youth team and they really helped me to develop, especially in the way they gave me instructions.
Featured image – nkdomzale.si