Victor Wanyama has returned to the Kenyan national football team nearly three years after announcing his international retirement, marking a surprising development ahead of the Harambee Stars’ upcoming FIFA international friendlies against Chad.
The 32-year-old defensive midfielder, who last featured for Kenya in 2021, has been recalled to the squad by newly appointed head coach Benni McCarthy.
Wanyama’s selection comes as a significant statement by the South African tactician, who has wasted no time stamping his authority by reintroducing the former captain in what appears to be a strategic move to bolster both leadership and experience in the team.
Wanyama, one of the most decorated footballers in Kenyan history, had stepped away from international duty in September 2021 after earning over 60 caps for the Harambee Stars.
At the time, his decision to retire was seen as the end of an era for Kenyan football. However, McCarthy’s appointment seems to have reignited Wanyama’s national pride.
Insiders within the Football Kenya Federation reveal that McCarthy played a direct and pivotal role in persuading Wanyama to come out of retirement.
The former South African international is said to have held private discussions with the midfielder, stressing his potential value not only on the pitch but also as a mentor to the emerging generation of Kenyan talent.
Wanyama’s return is widely seen as part of a larger strategy by McCarthy to revive Kenya’s standing in African football.
The national side has struggled in recent years, missing out on major tournaments and experiencing a lack of consistency in both results and squad stability.
By reinstating a player of Wanyama’s calibre, the coaching staff is clearly aiming to establish a stronger foundation.
Wanyama’s football journey remains a source of pride across East Africa. He began his career in Nairobi before moving to Europe, where he rose to prominence with Celtic in Scotland. In 2013, he made history by becoming the first East African player to appear in the English Premier League, signing with Southampton.
His performances earned him a move to Tottenham Hotspur, where he featured prominently, including playing in the 2019 UEFA Champions League final.
Following his stint in England, Wanyama continued his career in North America with Major League Soccer side CF Montréal.
He currently plays in the Scottish Championship for Dunfermline Athletic, where he continues to be a commanding presence in midfield.
Though no longer at the peak of his career, Wanyama’s inclusion in the national squad is not simply ceremonial. His leadership, tactical discipline, and wealth of international experience are expected to provide critical guidance to the relatively young Harambee Stars lineup preparing to face Chad.
For Kenyan fans, Wanyama’s return offers a sense of nostalgia and hope. While it remains to be seen how much he will contribute on the field, his comeback alone signals a renewed ambition under McCarthy’s tenure — one that blends experience with the promise of rebuilding.
As Kenya eyes future qualification campaigns, Wanyama’s presence could prove to be a stabilising force — both in the dressing room and on the pitch — during a critical period of transition for the national side.
