Why Victor Wanyama Chose Not To Extend Dunfermline Stay Amid Coaching Courses, Reveals New Club

Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has revealed his next plans after leaving Dunfermaline following the expiry of his contract last season.

Wanyama, who played for the likes of Celtic, Southampton and Tottenham at the prime of his playing career, is approaching the twilight of his career, but still believes he has a little more to give before he finally hangs up his boots.

Wanyama, who retired from international football in 2021 but did earn a call up to the Harambee Stars squad under current Kenya coach Benni McCarthy in June, has explained why he had to leave Dunfermaline despite playing for them for just three months.

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“I signed with them on a short contract and after the season I went to do a coaching course. It was two weeks of intense training, and I’m still continuing with it,” Wanyama said on NTV’s Sport On.

“I was supposed to sign an extension with Dunfermline, but we couldn’t reach an agreement, so I’m currently looking for a new home.”

Wanyama also explained the reason he has been taking part in coaching coaches as he prepares for life after retirement, either as a head coach or even a director of football.

“At the same time, I’m trying to tick all the boxes for life after football. Anything that can help me become a better coach or director, I’m committed to doing. 

“The coaching courses have been going well, and hopefully in the future, once I’ve ticked enough boxes, I’ll have plenty of choices.”

Together with his brother McDonald Mariga, Wanyama is also spearheading the development of a football academy in Nambaale, Busia. The project, first announced in 2023, has faced delays but is nearing completion.

“We’ve been working on the grounds, and it’s been a bit tough because the soil that was there wasn’t good. We had to bring in new soil, which took a lot of time, but now we’re close to finishing with the pitches so they can be up and running,” he revealed.

Wanyama confirmed that a Nairobi branch will also be launched to give more young players access to training facilities.

“Right now, we’re at the stage of engaging partners because we believe in good playing surfaces. 

“A good surface allows players to perform well, feel good, and showcase their potential. We want to do it right, and hopefully everything will be up and running soon.”

Despite turning his attention to coaching and development projects, Wanyama insists he is not ready to hang up his boots just yet and is exploring options for his next club.

For now, the Kenyan football legend is working on balancing his twilight playing years with a smooth transition into coaching and football development, ensuring his influence on the game continues well beyond his retirement.