Victor Wanyama, the iconic former Harambee Stars captain, has sparked excitement among Kenyan football fans after suggesting he may return to the national team.
In a candid conversation with the BBC, the 32-year-old midfielder revealed that he has been in consistent communication with Harambee Stars’ current head coach Benni McCarthy. Their discussions appear to have laid the groundwork for a possible comeback.
“I’ve spoken to him [McCarthy] a few times, and he’s been trying to persuade me to come back,” Wanyama said during the interview.
Having stepped away from international football in 2021, Wanyama had cited frustrations with poor management, lack of structure, and weak support systems within the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) as some of the reasons for his retirement. However, it seems that recent reforms within the federation may be rekindling his passion for the national jersey.
“Things have changed. The way the federation manages the players and the team is now different,” Wanyama noted, highlighting a shift in FKF’s internal operations.
Coach McCarthy, a former Manchester United assistant and South African football legend, appears to be playing a pivotal role in Wanyama’s decision-making process.
“He’s a top coach with elite experience, and exactly the kind of leadership Kenya needs right now,” Wanyama added, clearly impressed by McCarthy’s credentials.
While he stopped short of confirming a return date, Wanyama hinted that an official announcement might be on the horizon.
Currently plying his trade at Dunfermline Athletic, a Scottish Championship club, Wanyama continues to impress with his composure and leadership on the pitch. His return to the national team would provide a significant morale and tactical boost, particularly as Kenya gears up for critical international fixtures.
Known by fans as the “Lion of Muthurwa,” Wanyama is revered for his powerful midfield presence and unshakeable commitment to the Kenyan cause. His international journey began in 2007 at the tender age of 15, debuting in a friendly match against Nigeria. Over the years, he became a cornerstone of the Harambee Stars, especially during the 2010 World Cup qualification campaign.
In 2013, Wanyama took over the national team’s captaincy from Dennis Oliech and went on to lead Kenya to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt — their first appearance at the tournament in over a decade.
When he announced his retirement in September 2021, Wanyama left behind an admirable legacy: over 60 caps, seven international goals, and years of resilient service to the country.
His potential return comes at a time when Kenya’s football fans are yearning for a revival, especially after witnessing mixed performances in recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers. A recent fixture at Nyayo Stadium against Gabon drew massive crowds, underlining the passion still burning in Kenyan football circles.
If Wanyama does make a comeback, it will mark not just a personal redemption arc but also a symbol of new hope under a transformed federation and a promising coaching staff.
For now, all eyes remain on the former skipper — and the decision he is poised to make.
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