Last season, several wingers made headlines with their pace, dribbling and ability to trouble opposition defenders. But whenever they came up against Chadrack Boka, they often found themselves facing a wall that was difficult to break through.
Boka, the DR Congo international who plays for Young Africans SC, has started the 2026/27 season looking like a completely different player. After coming under criticism at times last season, the defender has returned with performances that show greater confidence in his role.
One of the players who has experienced Boka’s physical challenge is TRA United winger Ramadhan Chobwedo.
Chobwedo built a reputation for his ability to operate on the flanks and trouble defenders with his pace and strength. But when he faced Boka in one of the matches towards the end of last season, the game took a different turn.
Boka gave him little room to do what he does best — sprint towards dangerous areas and cause problems. Instead, he stayed close to him, using his strength and pace to prevent him from turning and attacking.
Libasse Gueye Also Came Up Against Boka
The Community Shield derby provided another glimpse of the kind of work Boka can do.
Simba winger Libasse Gueye did not finish the match, but one incident that demonstrated Boka’s influence came when Gueye was forced to track back and follow Boka as he helped prevent an attack.
More impressively, despite Gueye being involved in stopping Boka, the defender still managed to push forward with the ball and create danger.
It was the same Boka who delivered the cross that produced Yanga’s only goal in the victory, scored by Albert Kangwanda.
In other words, Boka was not only doing his defensive work at the back; he was also getting forward and making his mark in attack.
This Season’s Boka Is Different
What is most impressive about Boka now is the way he combines two important roles.
First, he is a defender who has to deal with fast wingers. Second, when the opportunity arises, he has the ability to push forward and contribute to the team’s attacking build-up.
His strength, pace, competitiveness in challenges and ability to recover quickly into position are among the qualities that make him a player who demands close attention from any winger facing him.
Making Life Difficult for Zimbwe Jr
The level Boka is showing has increased competition within the Yanga squad, particularly in the wide defensive positions.
For now, Boka appears to be the first-choice option, although head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has continued with his approach of giving every player opportunities based on the demands of each match.
Boka has featured more regularly in high-intensity matches, and his impact has been evident, with two league goals and two assists so far.
In a season when many believed the Congolese defender might be on his way out, he has returned as a different player — one that Yanga fans are now enjoying watching on the pitch.
