Written By Joey Beeler, Athletic Communications

Though he has a quiet demeanor, Brian Gwanzura of the Radford men's soccer program made noise this spring in the team's locker room.

He did it with the stroke of a felt pen on a whiteboard, with a message that captivated the attention of his teammates.

“Please bring your used cleats in,” he wrote.

Where others saw junk, Brian saw possibility. He asked his teammates, coaches and others if they would consider donating their old cleats, so he could bring them back to Zimbabwe to give to those less fortunate than him. Plenty obliged.

Brian has collected over 30 pairs, and wants to bring in as many as he can. It's his responsibility, after being given an opportunity that Brian says he's blessed to have.

“I'm returning the favor,” he said.

“He'd give you the shirt off his back.”

Though too quiet to admit it, Brian Gwanzura, a red-shirt junior, is that type of person.

Prior to accepting a collegiate scholarship, Gwanzura, who has a smile that would light up a room, had never crossed the border of his native country, Zimbabwe.

Born in the capital city, Harare, which has an estimated population of 1.6 million, Brian began playing what is known as football (soccer) outside the States, shortly after he learned to walk.

After playing a year of post-collegiate soccer, Gwanzura looked for an opportunity to expand his horizons, and Radford University caught his eye while searching the Internet.

“Every African wants to attend a University in America. I was so lucky to come here.”

In his first season with the Highlanders, Gwanzura started in 16 games and finished as the team's leading scorer.

Never forgetting his roots

With this life-changing experience came resources, including brand new cleats. Though a member of an NCAA Division I soccer program, Brian has never forgotten where he came from, a place where the world's sport is played on dirt in many spots.

“My parents could never buy me boots,” he said.

Like most back home, Brian didn't always have access to boots (cleats). Instead, he and others would often play barefoot off the rough terrain or if they were fortunate enough, in running shoes. Even better, at times, they shared boots.

“Where I come from, providing food and clothing for the family is most important. My parents didn't have enough money for cleats,” said Gwanzura.

And so this past spring, he began his drive.

Helping Brian and his mission is Passback, which a charitable arm of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. Passback redistributes soccer equipment collected by organizations and individuals. Since 2002, they have distributed more than 700,000 pieces of equipment worldwide.

“We are very grateful to US Soccer and its Passback program as well as Eurosport for their assistance with this project,” commented Radford head coach Marc Reeves. “I'm hoping Radford University students and the local soccer community will support this worthy cause.”

The Highlanders will collect new and used soccer cleats at their remaining four home contests, beginning Saturday, September 25 when they host Longwood at 6 p.m. Brian and Passback's collection boxes will be located at the entrance to Cupp Stadium.

“Brian is a great young man who has a big smile on his face everyday and truly values the opportunities life has given him. Inspired by his background and journey our team is keen to help with his desire to give back to those less fortunate.”

That desire for Brian Gwanzura “Is giving the boots of his feet.”

Men's soccer teams with Beans and Rice

In addition to Gwanzura and Passback's collection effort, the Radford men's soccer team has teamed with Beans and Rice to collect for their “Weekend Food for Kids Backpack Project.”

With a goal of reaching 100 children, the Highlanders will also set up collection boxes for new and used backpacks at their remaining home contests.

Beans and Rice is a community economic development organization that builds assets and develops capacities in low and moderate-income families through economic and educational programs.