Menu
@
May 21, 2018

Day 2 Report | Muamba Returns Home

Although he originally hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo and has not suited up in Lions orange in over five seasons, Cauchy Muamba insists he has returned ‘home’ to the west coast of Canada.

The veteran defensive back and club’s fifth-round selection in 2010 was re-signed back in February. Now he can’t help but get a little nostalgic when thinking about his first pro training camp on the same Kamloops turf eight years ago.

“Being young and nervous and having the core of Korey Banks, Dante Marsh, Ryan Phillips and all those guys was about as helpful as it gets,” recalls Muamba.

“Now going into year nine, I see myself in a similar role they were; trying to learn the defence but also trying to help those other guys around me gel. This is our time to do that so we can be fluid during the season.”

After earning his first Grey Cup ring in 2011, Muamba’s real coming out party came the following season when he earned a starting role in the secondary, while still playing a role on special teams. His increased playing time and production earned him a free agent contract with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The next year he was recruited by Ed Hervey to join an up and coming Edmonton Eskimos squad that would sip from the Grey Cup in 2015.

Now both of those men are here and hungry to win another one. Muamba’s prime focus remains proving he can still contribute at the level he’s been capable of. He just turned 31, meaning he is very much in the prime of his career.

“I still have a lot in the tank,” claims the product of St. Francis Xavier.

“I didn’t have as many reps. the last couple of seasons so I am refreshed and rejuvenated. Being back in the Lions Den makes it easy to enjoy the moment and just have fun.”

The familiarity with defensive coordinator Mark Washington also helps. Washington served as Muamba’s position coach in his first three seasons. It was a relationship he knew he had to maintain in order be a long-term player in this league.

“It’s like day and night from the last time I was here, just seeing what he’s done and how he’s grown as a coach in the years I was gone,” says Muamba.

“We have always been in contact, so it’s not like this is a brand new arrangement. We’ve clicked from day one, so that’s great.”

Muamba represents just one of eleven defensive backs currently on the training camp roster who were not here this time last year. Every camp has its fair share of CFL rookies, veterans from other clubs and even guys like Mumaba who are back where it all started. When he looks around the field, he likes what he sees alongside him.

“Management did a great job of assembling this team,” explains Muamba.

“To have guys that aren’t just young, but understand the game, understand the CFL and what it takes to win provides a great atmosphere. The likes of Marcell Young, TJ Lee, Garry Peters, AJ (Anthony Orange), Otha Foster, a lot of these guys I’ve played with and seen what they can do. It’s great to have a core group of guys like this.”

Where all of these dynamic athletes may fit on the depth chart is another question in itself. Chalk that up as a good problem to have. The fact they have all bought in so far and understand what it takes to achieve the ultimate goal even further helps breed the friendly competition in practice.

“You never get tired of winning, you never get tired of being a champion, “says Muamba.

“It’s only day two, but I can sense the energy and hunger here. Not just for all of us players, but for Wally and the staff. We have some guys you can tell really want to get back to the top and being champions again.”

NEXT UP

Following a non-padded afternoon session on Monday, the pads will be on for morning practice Tuesday. That session runs from 8:40-10:30 AM. Followed by a quick break, the second workout will be in helmets and shorts only from 11:00 AM- 12:20 PM. All practices at Hillside Stadium are open to the public.

Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com