Boris Enow Takang: From Humble Beginnings to Representing Cameroon on the Global Stage

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

Like every young football player in Cameroon, the dream is to one day wear the green, red and yellow jersey of the National Team. However, not everyone will one day experience that feeling in their footballing career – wearing the jersey of the Indomitable Lions, a five-time Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON winner.

On October 14, however, a young boy's dream finally came to pass, in an electrifying debut. Brought on in the second half of Cameroon's AFCON 2025 Qualifiers against the Harambee Stars of Kenya, He scored a long-range free kick that not only gave Cameroon all three points but also ensured that the Indomitable Lions qualified for AFCON 2025 in Morocco with two games to spare. That young boy’s name is Boris Enow Takang.

24-year-old Boris Takang’s journey from Cameroon to Porto B, Lens B, and then to Israel with Maccabi Netanya and now DC United, in the U.S. to the grand stage of the Indomitable Lions has been one of determination, passion and relentless ambition, for a player who had nursed the ambition of one day putting on the national team jersey. Known for his exceptional agility and vision on the field, Enow’s career path reflects the qualities of a player who’s destined for greatness.

Born and bred in Buea, South West Region of Cameroon, Enow discovered his love for football at a young age. His first formal introduction to the sport came at Cinyodev FA, a local football academy in Buea, before moving to Ecole Football Brasseries du Cameroun, now Ecole Football Boissons du Cameroun. Even at this early stage, coaches and teammates recognized Enow’s natural ability on the pitch.

His quick feet, field awareness, and dedication to training set him apart, allowing him to establish a foundation that would support him through his later career.

“The hunger to play professional football inspired my move to Porto B. When the club came for me, I didn’t hesitate; I knew it was my chance to start my professional journey. I was so eager to show my talent. Leaving home for Israel was not easy, but it was an exciting adventure,” Boris Enow said.

“Scoring on my national team debut, especially that important goal that qualified us for the Africa Cup of Nations, is I would say one of the best moments of my career so far. It was such an emotional moment, hard to describe. I was so happy to help my team win and qualify. Trust me, it's a moment I would love to relive!”

In an exclusive interview with Pan African Visions, Boris Enow Takang sheds light on his journey from Cameroon to Porto B, Lens B, and then to Israel with Maccabi Netanya and now DC United, in the U.S. and how he felt receiving the call from coach Marc Brys and getting his first goal for his national team.

Tell us about your first experiences with football. What first drew you to the beautiful game?

Boris Enow: Well, I have always loved football since I was young, around the age of 5. I'm from a family of footballers. My uncles and brothers played elite football in Cameroon, and some even travelled out of the country to play professionally. Even my grandfather was a fantastic footballer. So, these people influenced my passion for the game from a tender age.

I used to follow my uncles and brothers to the field and watch them train and play, which made me fall in love with football. My mum also played a big role, always encouraging me—but she didn't hesitate to sanction me whenever I didn’t show seriousness in my studies at school. (laughter) Generally speaking, I think I loved football, and football loved me.

You started at Cinyodev FA—can you share any memorable moments or experiences there that helped shape you as a player?

Boris Enow: At Cinyodev FA, my biggest motivation was my president, Ndazeh Valery. His dedication to the club was unrivalled, and the fact that he wanted me to succeed was a huge boost. I remember the discipline instilled by the club management; it moulded us, and I think at one point, I was the youngest captain in the Regional League. That was also something quite memorable.

How did the opportunity to join Brasseries School come about, and how did you adapt to that change?

Boris Enow: I can remember that day; it was one of the most memorable moments of my young career. It was during a friendly match against Ecole de Football Brasseries du Cameroun that everything took off. My performance that day impressed the management, and I think I was the only trainee selected without going through the Top Cup competition.

What inspired your move to Porto B, Lens B, and then to Israel with Maccabi Netanya, and how did it feel leaving home to pursue your football career?

Boris Enow: The hunger to play professional football inspired my move to Porto B. When the club came for me, I didn’t hesitate; I knew it was my chance to start my professional journey. I was so eager to show my talent. Leaving home for Israel was not easy, but it was an exciting adventure. In professional football, you have to make sacrifices, and sometimes it’s fruitful to leave your comfort zone to chase your dreams. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it!

What were the biggest challenges you faced on and off the pitch in Israel? And how did your time there help you grow as a player and as an individual?

Boris Enow: One of the biggest challenges in Israel was the language barrier. At first, it was tough, but I got used to it. Football has its sign language, which helped. However, the biggest challenge I would say was the war. Just watching bombs and rockets on television flying from left to right could be traumatizing. The fear of the unknown was always there, and seeing people die every day was hard. But I learned a lot while in Israel, gaining maturity in my play and understanding local cultures, which helped me connect with my teammates and fans.

After about four years in Israel, you moved to D.C. United. What were your first impressions of Major League Soccer?

Boris Enow: Major League Soccer is highly competitive and I would say more prestigious—maybe even more so than my previous leagues. Playing against legends like Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez has been incredible. Sharing the same dressing room with a teammate like Christian Benteke with his huge experience in the Premier League has also been extraordinary. It's the dream of every professional footballer to share the pitch with such big names. Also, the atmosphere in the stadiums is electric, and the passion of the fans is just amazing. I bet you, Americans are so crazy about soccer.

How do you find the level of competition there compared to your previous experiences? And what aspects of the club and the city have helped you settle in and feel at home?

Boris Enow: The level of competition in MLS is unmatched. The tactical display is impressive because the players are mature and experienced. What has helped me settle in is that English is my first language, so communication is much easier. The culture is welcoming, and my teammates are professional and empathetic, which has made adapting quite smooth.

Can you describe the feeling when you received your first call-up to the Indomitable Lions?

Boris Enow: I had just come back from training when I received that call-up email. I wouldn't say I was surprised, but it came earlier than I expected. One of every footballer's dreams is to represent their country, especially at the senior level. It's a privilege I don't take for granted, and I want to thank the coach who saw something in me and, of course, God for the opportunity.

What was it like stepping onto the pitch for the national team for the first time?

Boris Enow: Hahahaha. As a professional footballer, you must always be ready to play. I know many people were anxious and impatient to see me play, but I had to be patient. When the coach asked me to warm up, I told myself, “Boris, this is the moment you’ve always dreamed of”. So, I stepped onto the pitch with zeal. I was technically, physically, and mentally ready, but trust me, there was a mix of confidence and anxiety, which is normal for any debutant. Playing for Cameroon comes with pressure, and I felt ready for it!

Your first goal in national colours was a milestone moment—how did it feel to score for your country?

Boris Enow: Scoring on my national team debut, especially that important goal that qualified us for the Africa Cup of Nations, is I would say one of the best moments of my career so far. It was such an emotional moment, hard to describe. I was so happy to help my team win and qualify. Trust me, it's a moment I would love to relive!

What are your immediate goals as a player for D.C. United and the national team?

Boris Enow: I came to D.C. United just before the end of the campaign, and my objective is to help the club win more titles and regain its position in American soccer. We have an amazing group of players and I think with the quality that we have; next season is quite promising. Well, with the national team, I want to help Cameroon win more trophies and qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Playing in the World Cup in America, where my club is based, would be incredible. I believe we have a strong team that can make a statement and bring smiles to our supporters!

How do you envision using your platform as a professional footballer to give back to your community or inspire young players?

Boris Enow: This is a great question. An American poet, Maya Angelou, once said that if you know where you are coming from, you will know where you are going. I'm surrounded by a team of professionals working on projects to give back to the community, focusing on education, health care, and humanitarian efforts. Many vulnerable children can't afford basic school needs and seniors can't access medical care. I also plan to donate equipment to football academies, starting in Buea where I was born, and hopefully expanding to other areas.