Boseko Lokombo – Loko or Bolo for those in the know – is starting his fourth training camp as a pro. His third in the CFL. Throughout his career, our linebacker bounced from place to place; from Oregon where he spent his college years to Vancouver where he grew up and played with the Lions, to Baltimore, Oakland, San Francisco, Vancouver again and, finally, Montreal.
The Congo-native is not a complete stranger to his new environment. Montreal is where he first stepped foot in Canada at the age of six. His father had enrolled at Université de Sherbrooke and moved the entire family from Western Africa to Eastern Québec.
“Is Sherbrooke far from here?,” he asked. The memories are distant, but Boseko’s French is still intact. “I’m more comfortable to do interviews in English, but I’ll do them in French for the fans.”
The man doesn’t give himself enough credit. His skills are quite impressive considering he left La belle province in 1997 to settle on the West Coast with his parents, four brothers and two sisters.
“It wasn’t easy to decide to leave home and travel across the country,” he admits. “But I love the direction the team is taking. I really want to make changes, make some noise and get the fans to follow.”
His Bromance
Boseko already seems at ease. Two-a-days are no secret for him anymore, but his growing friendship with Henoc Muamba is really what’s helping him feel at home. The two, who line up side by side on the field, might try speaking Lingala on the field to dupe their opponents.
“I haven’t spoken to him in Lingala yet! I have to do it! Henoc really took me under his swing. He’s an excellent leader and an incredibly smart veteran.”
History is repeating itself. In 2010, when Cauchy Muamba, Henoc’s big bro, was drafted by the BC Lions, he became pals with Boseko’s older brother.
His Priority
“For me, what matters most at camp is to get to know who will be going to battle next to you.”
Training camp is meant to develop chemistry.
So far, so good. The soldiers are bonding. What could likely be our starting linebacker threesome – Lokombo at will, Muamba at centre and Patrick Levels at sam – is gearing up to be one of our new defence’s strengths.
What He Hates
So far, so good, except for the hills. Practicing at McGill Stadium is awesome! The guys are thrilled about it, but they have to climb the hill on the North side of the stadium to access their dorms and the cafeteria.
“It’s like a second workout,” Boseko explains laughingly. Oddly enough, Henoc made the exact same comment the day before.
Boseko and his teammates will be practicing all weekend at McGill Stadium. Take a moment to come watch them at work and load up on some brand new Montréals products. The store will be open on Sunday.
