Victor Wanyama Breaks Silence on Harambee Stars Return as He Lifts Lid on Conversation With Benni McCarthy

Victor Wanyama was called up to the Harambee Stars squad by Benni McCarthy last June but withdrew, but has opened up on his international future.

Former Harambee Stars midfielder Victor Wanyama has opened up on his future with the Kenya national team after turning down a call up to the squad under Benni McCarthy in June 2025.

Wanyama, who retired from the national team in 2021, was recalled to the squad under Benni McCarthy, but chose not to honor the call up, with Stars going on to play Chad in back-to-back friendly matches held in Morocco.

Wanyama, who was in Kenya last August, serving as an ambassador for the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) trophy which Morocco won by beating Madagascar 3-2 in the final, explained why he opted against coming back to the team at that moment in time.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

“The coach called me up last June. We had a chat and he said my experience would help. I accepted it, but something came up on my end and I had to withdraw,” Wanyama told TV47.

With McCarthy having drafted a core of local-based players for those friendlies with an eye on preparing his squad for CHAN, McCarthy was counting on Wanyama’s experience, having played for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton in England during the peak of his career, to rub it off on the young players.

However, Wanyama, cureently a free agent, is not ruling out a possible return.

“However, I have not ruled out a return. If he feels I may be of help in a way or the other, I will be open to listening and see how I can help.”

CHAN 2024 Run Gives Kenya Hope for AFCON 2027

McCarthy, who has been tasked with rebuilding the national team, had drafted a largely local-based squad for the Chad friendlies. His intention was to prepare for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), where Kenya went on to impress by reaching the quarterfinals.

Wanyama believes that campaign proved that the Harambee Stars are on the right path toward becoming genuine contenders at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“I think the foundation is now solid. I believe the coach will make one or two adjustments and I am sure by AFCON 2027, we will have a competent team,” he noted.

The midfielder also pointed out that CHAN 2024 highlighted how competitive African football has become.

“I do not think any team underperformed. Many did not believe we would get through. Teams like Angola were viewed as favorites but did not get out of the group. At this level, you have to step up—there is no small team anymore.”

His comments echo a growing consensus that Kenya’s success at CHAN was not a fluke, but a result of improved tactical discipline and greater self-belief among the squad.

Fans’ Role in Building a Stronger Future

Beyond the pitch, Wanyama stressed the importance of fan support in shaping the team’s long-term prospects. He urged Kenyans to continue rallying behind both the national team and the domestic league, arguing that sustained encouragement will help inspire young players.

“Our fans love football naturally. They need to keep turning up in large numbers. Beyond the finals, they also need to support the local leagues and motivate these boys to work even harder,” Wanyama said.

The midfielder’s words carry weight, not only because of his decorated career abroad but also because of his symbolic status as one of Kenya’s most successful football exports. 

Having represented Celtic, Southampton, Tottenham, and CF Montréal, Wanyama has been at the highest level of the game, and his experience remains invaluable to the next generation of Harambee Stars players.