Duke Abuya has emerged as one of the players to have undergone a major positional transformation at Yanga SC, moving from roles as a winger and attacking midfielder in the number 8 and 10 positions to becoming a key figure in the defensive midfield role.
The change has been part of his journey to establish himself within the Yanga squad, with his running ability, physical strength and composure on the ball helping him adapt to the demands of playing in front of the defence.
Hersi Suggested Abuya for the Number Six Role
Yanga Head of Information and Communications Ali Kamwe has revealed that the club's president, Engineer Hersi Said, was the first to suggest using Abuya as a defensive midfielder.
According to Kamwe, the change happened while Yanga were preparing for a CAF Champions League match against Al Hilal, after midfielder Khalid Aucho suffered an injury.
At the time, Yanga had two options to fill the position, Aziz Andabwile and Salum Abubakar "Sure Boy", but then-coach Sead Ramovic was not convinced by those options because of the demands of the match.
"We were preparing for the CAF Champions League match against Al Hilal when we faced a challenge in the number six position after Khalid Aucho was injured. We had two options, Aziz Andabwile and Salum Abubakar 'Sure Boy'."
Kamwe said that was when Hersi suggested using Abuya in the position.
"Yanga's coach at the time, Sead Ramovic, was not satisfied with those midfielders given the demands of the match. That was when Engineer Hersi suggested that Duke Abuya should be used in that position."
From Winger to Number Six
Abuya joined Yanga from Singida Black Stars, where he primarily played as a winger or attacking midfielder.
However, after being given an opportunity to play deeper, he has successfully changed his profile and has now become an important option in the defensive midfield position.
Kamwe said the change has had a positive impact, with Abuya continuing to be trusted in the role and eventually developing a preference for playing there himself.
"Since then, Abuya has been used as a number six, and now even he himself prefers playing in that position," Kamwe said.
Strength, Stamina and Game Intelligence
One of the reasons Abuya appears well suited to the defensive midfield role is his exceptional work rate.
Having previously played in more advanced positions, Abuya now has the responsibility of protecting the central area, supporting the defence and at the same time initiating attacks from deep.
His ability to run for long periods and use his physical strength allows him to cover a large area of midfield, while his composure helps him make decisions under pressure.
Despite playing as either a number six or number eight, Abuya still has the ability to push forward, contribute to chance creation and make a direct impact in attack.
Fredy Ngoma Waiting for His Opportunity
In the last transfer window, Yanga strengthened their midfield by signing Fredy Ngoma, but the arrival of the Congolese midfielder has not displaced Abuya from the squad.
Instead, Abuya has continued to be the first choice in the defensive midfield role ahead of the Congo international.
