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Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has explained why Victor Wanyama never honoured his recall to the national team set up after nearly five years in the cold, while explaining why he deserves more respect.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has explained why Victor Wanyama never honoured his recall to the national team set up for their upcoming double-friendly encounters against Chad in Morocco this June.
McCarthy, who picked a core of mostly local based players for the tournament with an eye on the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) set to be co-hosted by Kenya this August, had opted to still mix it up with some international based players, including Victor Wanyama.
But while the recall created buzz and anticipation of a fairytale return, Wanyama will not be part of the squad — a decision McCarthy says was not made lightly.
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McCarthy: It Is Unfortunate Wanyama Could Not Be With Us
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“It’s just unfortunate Victor Wanyama couldn’t make it because he’s got family matters,” McCarthy explained while speaking to FKF Media from their training base at Kasarani Annex. “So it’s not a question where the player didn’t want to come.”
McCarthy was quick to defend the decision to include Wanyama in his plans, stressing that the veteran midfielder’s contribution to Kenyan football deserves the utmost respect.
“Victor Wanyama is somebody that this country has to respect. When it comes to football, he’s one player who’s put Kenya’s name very high on the map — with his exploits at Celtic, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur… together with Michael Olunga and [McDonald] Mariga.”
Drawing from his own experience as a South African football legend, McCarthy said he understands the importance of a proper send-off — something he himself never received.
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“I’ve been through that in South Africa. I never had the send-off that I wanted after everything I did for my country. So for me to have the opportunity to give someone like Victor a chance back into the national squad — that was important.”
Wanyama Could Give Youngsters Valuable Experience
But McCarthy insisted Wanyama’s return wasn’t just sentimental — it was strategic. He wanted the ex-captain’s presence to inspire younger players in camp.
“Who better to learn from than someone that’s played at the highest level — and not just played, but achieved so much as well? That was my reason for including Victor.”
Despite Wanyama’s absence, McCarthy remains hopeful there will be future opportunities to integrate him, either on the pitch or in a mentorship role.
“Unfortunately, family matters came in the way… but there will be other opportunities.”
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With the CHAN tournament drawing closer, McCarthy is clearly focused on both short-term readiness and long-term legacy-building — and for him, Wanyama remains part of that story, even from the sidelines.
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