Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy has offered a detailed explanation behind his decision to recall former captain Victor Wanyama, despite the veteran midfielder’s withdrawal from the upcoming international friendlies against Chad.
Wanyama, who boasts Guinean heritage and is widely regarded as one of Kenya’s most accomplished footballers, had not featured for the Harambee Stars since 2020.
He announced his international retirement in 2021 after being overlooked for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
However, McCarthy surprised many by naming the 33-year-old in his provisional squad for matches scheduled in Morocco on June 7 and 10, only for the CF Montréal midfielder to excuse himself due to personal commitments in the United Kingdom.
While his absence sparked debate among supporters—some questioning the relevance of his return, others viewing it as a tribute—McCarthy clarified his rationale, highlighting Wanyama’s influence and experience.
“I have to look at all angles, so I picked a team, who I thought was strong, that has a little bit of experience, but with players when you bring in the young players in, those young players can learn from, and that was the reason for me why I selected a team that I did,” McCarthy told Flashscore.
The coach emphasized that Wanyama’s inclusion was not merely sentimental, but part of a broader strategy to foster mentorship within the squad as it transitions to a younger generation.
“You know Victor (Wanyama) is somebody that this country has to respect. When it comes to football, he’s one of the players who puts Kenya’s name very high up on the map with his exploits at Celtic, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, together with Michael (Olunga)…”
In Wanyama’s absence, Gor Mahia’s Austin Odhiambo has been called up. The midfielder has impressed domestically since recovering from injury and is expected to add creativity in midfield during the two-match window.
