Published on May 27, 2025 by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Last Updated on 1 year by Agencies for Kenya Online News
After 1,644 days of international retirement, former Kenyas national team Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has made a return to don Kenyas national team colours.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has successfully convinced former captain Victor Wanyama to return to the provisional squad ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Former Cabinet Secretary for Sports Ababu Namwamba and former Stars head coach Engin Firat unsuccessfully attempted to lure Wanyama back to the fold, despite the latter announcing that the midfielder had agreed to wear the red kit again.
The last time the 33-year-old featured for Harambee Stars was back in November 2020 when he captained Harambee Stars to a 2-1 loss to Comoros in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
He subsequently called time on his international career on 27 September 2021, aged 30, bringing to an end his 14-year stint with the team.
The former national team captain had enjoyed a decorated international career spanning over a decade, having made his debut at just 15 years old in 2007.
It remains to be seen whether McCarthy will hand the captain’s armband to Wanyama, in the two matches, considering that skipper Michael Olunga and his assistant Joseph Okumu are not in the squad.
A majority of fans have voiced concern that his return could stall the progress of younger players.
“No, let him retire; give a chance to those young boys we saw playing in the U20 tournament to grow,” Erick Nyakundi said.
Others echoed the sentiment, calling for a generational transition. “The kids who played in the Under-20 AFCON recently should be the key focus of the Harambee Stars coach, not Wanyama. His glory days are behind him,” stated Joseph Masta.
Kipruto Levi added, “Dude should just retire and give the kids their chances to shine. It’s always good to know when to exit the dancing stage.”
Amos Ndegwa was blunt in his take: “Others are bringing in Yamal, and he wants to come back — how shall we ever advance, football-wise?”
However, not all reactions were negative. Some believe Wanyama’s presence—if not as a player, then in a technical or leadership role—could still benefit the team.
“He may not be of much help as a player, maybe in management,” suggested Peter Ndegwa.
“Maybe in the technical bench… but allow the young lads to take this country to the next level,” added Gyan Wahome. “With all due respect, Victor.”
Yet others believe Wanyama still has something to offer on the pitch.
“Why not? At 33, he is still young. We need experience at this point in time,” said Mwaura Edward.
Man Obiri weighed in with a comparison: “Croatia, a bigger football nation than Kenya, still have Modrić in their team. Yet people here are claiming we don’t need Wanyama, even just as a motivational speaker? Come on!”
Mike Nello, however, questioned whether Wanyama still has the physical edge: “Really… does he still play? Will he cope with today’s speedy young footballers?”
As the debate rages on, the final decision rests with Wanyama. “I’m thinking about it, and very soon I’ll be making an announcement,” he said, leaving fans eagerly waiting.
