Victor Wanyama Discloses Chat With Benni McCarthy, Hints at Harambee Stars Return
- Victor Wanyama has disclosed he has had conversations with Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy
- Wanyama has not played for the Kenyan national team in five years, but hinted he could make his return
- Wanyama joined Scottish club Dunfermline Athletic in March, but was sent off in his first game for the club
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Victor Wanyama has hinted at making a return to the Kenyan national team after retiring in 2021, disclosing that he recently had a chat with Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy.
Source: Getty Images
What Victor Wanyama said about Harambee Stars
In an interview with BBC Sport, the midfielder, who recently joined Dunfermline Athletic, said he spoke with Benni McCarthy and will make a decision soon.
Wanyama wore the Kenyan colours at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) but has represented Kenya since 2020, having fallen out with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
He turns 34 next month, and it appears FKF are in his good graces right now.
"Things have changed," he said. "The way the federation manages the players and the national team, so that has already convinced me."
His brother, former Inter Milan midfielder McDonald Mariga, is now the FKF's vice president. With the appointment of McCarthy, a former coach at Manchester United, Wanyama could make his return.
"I've spoken to him [McCarthy] a few times and he was trying to convince me to go back," Wanyama added. "He's a big manager. He has been at Manchester United. Obviously, he's experienced and he's the one that Kenya needs. I'm thinking about it and very soon I'll be making an announcement."
McCarthy has managed two matches so far but is yet to get his first win. They drew with the Gambia before losing to Gabon at Nyayo Stadium.
Wanyama's stats with Harambee Stars
Wanyama made his Harambee Stars debut in 2007 as a 15-year-old. He has made over 60 appearances for Harambee Stars.
Source: Getty Images
He played all three games at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and failed to get past the group stage.
Kenya failed to reach the 2025 edition, but they will co-host the 2027 edition alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
"It will be the first time that the country is hosting the Africa Cup of Nations, and for the youth it will be a great experience to witness their own national team competing in the biggest African competition," Wanyama added.
Victor Wanyama is widely regarded as Kenya’s finest footballer. He was the first Kenyan to play in the Premier League and has also showcased his talent in Scotland with Celtic and in Canada with Montreal Impact.
McCarthy message to Kenyans
Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that Benni McCarthy thanked Kenyans for supporting Harambee Stars despite their loss to Gabon in March.
The South African said Kenya lacked the chemistry their opponents had, but was happy with the turnout.
McCarthy is looking forward to the 2025 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), set to be co-hosted with Uganda and Tanzania.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
