Robert Matano believes Victor Wanyama's brief return to Harambee Stars would have been a necessary move to bring experience and guidance to a youthful squad.
Former Tusker head coach Robert Matano has defended Benni McCarthy’s initial decision to have Victor Wanyama in the provisional squad ahead of Harambee Stars’ international friendlies against Chad.
The two tournaments are scheduled for June 7 and 10 and would be very instrumental for Harambee Stars as they prepare for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), where Kenya will be co-hosting alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Victor Wanyama was a surprising addition to the provisional squad, with his inclusion raising mixed reactions. However, Victor Wanyama has since withdrawn from the squad, with Austin Odhiambo of Gor Mahia FC stepping into the midfield.
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Robert Matano: Wanyama is Coming in to Try and Sort the Challenges
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The Fountain Gate FC coach defended the return of Victor Wanyama, noting that the former Celtic FC midfielder is a great addition to Benni McCarthy’s squad.
The main goal will be conquering the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, and Matano believes that with Wanyama in the mix, Harambee Stars will be ready to conquer.
Matano insisted that Benni McCarthy knows what Harambee Stars needs, and having Victor Wanyama in the mix was not a bad decision.
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“The coach knows his weaknesses and his strengths. According to the coach, they are lacking experience in the team and he needs someone who can help the young players, to give them confidence and guidance,” Matano said as quoted by Citizen Digital.
Victor Wanyama last featured for Harambee Stars in the AFCON qualifier, where they lost 0-1 against Comoros on November 15, 2020.
Despite that, Matano is adamant that Victor Wanyama’s presence in the squad will make a difference on and off the pitch.
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Robert Matano pointed out that Victor Wanyama has all the experience that is needed to take Harambee Stars to the next level.
“Wanyama is coming in to try and sort the challenges that the team is having today. What he is lacking in his team is what he wants Wanyama to mould in others. I don’t think he will be there with the team come AFCON in 2027,” Matano added.
“Him being in the team is good, I support the decision. The team needs him; he is more exposed, and he is more experienced. The team needs a balance of experience and youth to build a solid team.”
While Victor Wanyama’s return may have stirred debate, Robert Matano’s support portrays the value of blending experience with youth as Harambee Stars prepare for a defining stretch.
According to Robert Matano, whether or not Victor Wanyama features long-term, his brief involvement would be a great stepping stone toward building a more cohesive and competitive squad.