William Lenkupae: 3 Shocking Twists After Harambee Stars Midfielder Left A-League

The Harambee Stars midfielder makes a surprising leap to Europe, unveiling unexpected turns in his fast-rising international football journey.

Kenyan international midfielder William “Will” Lenkupae recently sealed a pivotal move to Finnish Veikkausliiga side Vaasan Palloseura (VPS), signing a two-year contract that runs through the 2026 season.

The 23-year-old joins the club after a triumphant campaign with Australia’s Central Coast Mariners, where he was part of the team that clinched both the 2023–24 A-League Men Premiership and the AFC Cup.

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Commonly referred as Will Wilson during his time in Australia, the Nairobi-born midfielder brings top-level experience and a multicultural background, holding Kenyan, Australian, and United Kingdom citizenship.

“By his player profile, Will is a player we've been looking for for a while now; a two-way midfielder, who has evidence of level in high-level games,” said VPS sports director Tommi Pikkarainen.

“Based on a week's training, Will has taken such good care of his physical condition that he's ready to play right now.”

3. Instant Impact in Finland

Lenkupae wasted no time showing his value at VPS. On Friday, he came on in the second half during a 2–2 league draw against FF Jaro.

This debut came just days after the official announcement of his signing, proving that he had maintained peak physical form even after parting ways with the Mariners at the end of the 2024–25 season.

Standing at 1.70 meters, Lenkupae is known for his agility, creativity, and ability to operate as either an attacking midfielder or left winger—qualities that quickly won over the VPS technical staff and fans alike.

2. From Australian Derby Hero to African National Icon

Born on December 23, 2001, Lenkupae’s football journey began with Box Hill United in Australia before a move to Melbourne Victory, where he appeared for both the youth and senior squads in the National Premier Leagues.

He made his professional debut in the FFA Cup against Perth Glory in 2021 and later signed with Central Coast Mariners in August 2023.

He made headlines in November 2023 by scoring his first A-League goal during the fierce F3 Derby, helping Mariners secure a 3-1 win over Newcastle Jets. His contributions played a pivotal role in their historic 2023–24 season.

Internationally, Lenkupae debuted for the Kenyan senior national team in March 2025 during a World Cup qualifying clash against Gambia. He made the occasion memorable by scoring in a thrilling 3-3 draw, immediately cementing his status as one of Kenya’s brightest prospects.

1. Triple Citizenship and Triple Threat

Off the pitch, Lenkupae’s international ties give him a rare advantage. With passports from Kenya, Australia, and the United Kingdom, his global mobility allows him greater freedom in choosing clubs and representing nations.

His multicultural identity has shaped a well-rounded playing style that merges African flair, British tenacity, and Australian tactical discipline.

“The best games for my age are yet to come. National A-team games in CV were icing on the cake,” said Lenkupae, reflecting on his rise.