Interview #24- Frantzly Zephirin

The Frantzly Zephirin Interview

1. What was your youth career like growing up in Canada?

Playing in Canada when I was young was incredible. My dad supporting me , making me play with older kids or even adults made me grow a lot as a player. Something else that helped was my school program. I had 3 hours of class and the rest of the day I had practice. It was an awesome experience

2. How was your time at Essex County College?
My first year at Essex county college was really hard because I didn’t know how to speak English. I was lucky my coach and teachers understood my situation and helped me a lot. On the soccer side it was an incredible year for me. I won a lot of awards like: player of the year in my conference, first team, and all American. I was really proud of my achievements

3. What was it like to play in your hometown with ACP Montreal-Nord?
Playing for my hometown was a good experience.  It was the highest level someone could player in Quebec at the time after the mls. I remember we didn’t have a great season but it brought me some experience playing with older and experienced players

4. Describe what it was like to receive a call-up from the Haitian National Team in 2013?
The feeling I had was just the best feeling I ever had in my entire career. I was so excited to wear the uniform and represent my country. Seeing my dad smile while I was going out of the tunnel was just something I will never forget. Even if I didn’t play it was by far the best moment of my career.

5. What was it like to play with MidAmerica Nazarene of the NAIA? 
Playing at MidAmerica Nazarene  University in the NAIA was different from playing in the NJCAA at Essex. The level was better and would have a lot of players that already played pro or were in soccer academies back home. I had teammates from Germany, Brazil, France, Sweden ,etc. My second year I won defensive player of the year and all American again.

6. Any tips for college soccer players out there?
If I had to give any advice to a college soccer player it would be to enjoy the time but not forgetting what was your goal. Don’t get lost on your way and don’t give up when you have hard times. Keep
pushing.

7. You played with the Ocean City Nor’easters of the PDL, now USL League 2, what was playing for one of the league’s most prestigious teams like?
Playing for the nor’easters was hard because I came late in the team because of college and got injured when I got the chance to play. The people around the team Are amazing  and help you a lot. Housing, food, trainers everything you need they would get it for you to feel better and perform on the field.
8. What was your time in India like? How did you adjust to the culture shock from America and Canada to India?
I didn’t though it  would’ve been so different. The food the way you interact with people, the language, the way people drive. Everything was different. I was lucky to have a couple of players that spoke French. I don’t think I really got used to it. I didn’t feel Comfortable the way I wanted. The hardest part for me was the food. 

9. You traveled to the Faroe Islands to play with B71, which was your first professional contract, what was signing your first pro contract like? How were you feeling afterwards?
Signing with B71 was an amazing feeling. I had my first professional contract in Europe after I have been through I finally made it. I didn’t give up and felt great that all my hard work had a purpose.

10. Who’s the best player you’ve ever played against?
 I played with so many good players but I think the best player I played with was Donald Guerrier when I was with the national team. He was so impressive the speed and technique he had was incredible. 

11. What was the level of play like in the Faroe Islands?
The level in Faroe Islands was pretty good but really physical. I think it was the most physical league I ever played in. They go all in from a physical challenge. 

12. How do you deal with failure?
To be honest I really thought about quitting a lot of times but I would always tell myself that failure is normal. It means I’m trying. That if I gave up all those years playing, people supporting me, money spent, hours working on the field, injuries  would have been for nothing. My biggest inspiration is my dad. He sacrificed a lot for me too to be where I am today and I can’t just give up on him and because it’s too hard.

13. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I think it would be strawberries. I LOVE strawberries!
14. Best player you’ve ever faced?
The best player I ever faced was Donald Guerrier too. I had a really hard time to try and stop him 

15. What do you do in your free-time outside of soccer?
In my free time I like to watch movies   Or go out to eat when I’m too lazy to cook

16. What’s your biggest strength?
My biggest strength being calm in situation. 

17. What’s your biggest weakness?
My biggest weakness would probably me being too stubborn. 

18. What’s one thing you cannot live without?
I think I wouldn’t be able to live without strawberries 

19. If there was a movie about your life, who would you want to play yourself?
 Michael b Jordan. Who doesn’t like his movie ? The best actor 

20. What’s a common misconception about being a pro?
I think people think we live the perfect life. The truth is that we suffer for our dream daily. Get injured, sweat, frustration and sacrifice so much of our family or friends. We do it because we have a big dream but it is far from being easy.

21. You mentioned the Faroe Islands is the most physical league you’ve played in, what did playing in a league like that teach you?
Playing in this league showed how to use my body a lot or when to get smarter into physical contact 

22. You’ve played in leagues all around the world, with professional players, and amateur players. What do you think separates an amateur from a professional?
I think it’s dedication. You have to know when you want to be a professional. You will travel not seeing family. Sacrifices your family and friends moments to play soccer. A lot of people have are talented but will not put the dedication into soccer and go far.

23. How has your time been the Tulsa Roughnecks so far?
It is really competitive. I’m working to get a spot and help the team. Other than that it is really nice. Some teammates are becoming like family to me. 


24. How would you rate the USL Championship compared to the other leagues you’ve played in?
The usl is the best level I played in so far. The level is really good and play against people from all around the world is amazing. I’m learning more and more everyday
My main goal in the future is to push to be the best I can and play the highest level i can play.

25. What’s your biggest tip for aspiring pro athletes?
Think about what you sacrifice to be where you are now and don't give up

26. Do you have any pre-game rituals, if so what are they?
I think like to listen to music and visualize what I want to do during the game

27. What’s the biggest thing that separates a professional from an amateur?
I think it’s dedication. Not a lot of athletes are willing to sacrifice their comfort to be at the top.

28. What’s your dream five a side team?
My five a side dream team would be Ronaldo (from Brazil) Ronaldinho, Marcelo, Roberto Carlos and Buffon. 

​29. What are your main goals for the future? 
My main goal in the future is to push to be the best I can and play the highest level i can play.
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30. Any last words for the readers?
Being a professional soccer player is really hard but if you are willing to sacrifice your comfort zone and be the best you can be don't give up.

Interview by Chris Dailey

Thanks to Frantzly for the interview! We wish you the best of luck next season!

image via https://mnusports.com