Why Harambee Stars Legend Believes Victor Wanyama is the Cristiano Ronaldo of Kenya

The former Harambee Stars goalkeeper has likened Victor Wanyama's influence on the national team to Cristiano Ronaldo's role with Portugal.

When Victor Wanyama was forced out of retirement from Harambee Stars by Benni McCarthy, a lot of fans had a lot to say concerning his age and what he would bring to the squad.

The last time Victor Wanyama played for Harambee Stars was against Comoros on November 15, 2020, in a 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Benni McCarthy shocked the masses after naming Victor Wanyama in his provisional squad ahead of Harambee Stars’ international friendlies against Chad.

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However, the former Montreal FC withdrew from the team due to other obligations in the United Kingdom. Harambee Stars went ahead to draw 0-0 in the first leg of the match on Saturday and win 2-1 in the second leg on Tuesday.

Benni McCarthy and Robert Matano are among the coaches who openly spoke about the impact Victor Wanyama would bring to Harambee Stars at this time, with former goalkeeper Mathews Ottamax Owino also joining them in defending the former Tottenham midfielder.

Mathews Ottamax: His Presence Alone in the Team is Enormous

The former Kenya number one goalkeeper pointed out that Victor Wanyama’s presence in the squad equals the impact Cristiano Ronaldo has on the Portugal National team.

Ottamax pointed out that Ronaldo is 40, and he continues to inspire the squad to dominate European football and the world at large.

He insisted that the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo inspired the Portugal team to claim the win in the UEFA Nations League, beating Spain in the final.

“That win against Spain shows that Ronaldo is so important to the Portugal team. He’s like the team driver who calls all the shots on the pitch because, with him, there’s punch and clear direction,” Ottamax Owino told Citizen Digital.

Ottamax Owino added that Victor Wanyama also has the ability to inspire the Harambee Stars squad, and he is only 33.

He defended Benni McCarthy’s decision to include Wanyama in the provisional squad, noting that having a young, inexperienced squad without a mentor.

Ottamax added that some captains do not get the full respect of their teammates once given the armband.

He explained that this is because some players feel they have played alongside them and, as a result, do not believe they should take instructions from them.

“His presence alone in the team is enormous; just being in the dressing room will be very important and impactful to the rest of the players in the Harambee Stars squad,” Ottamax Owino said.

“You can’t just have young lads only without such experience, they will not pull together. Wanyama has played for big teams and has travelled to many countries.”

While Victor Wanyama’s return to the Harambee Stars stirred mixed reactions, those closest to the game believe his mere presence and experience could offer the stability and direction to the young squad.