Kenya’s football fraternity has reacted with mixed reactions following reports that former captain Victor Wanyama is considering making a comeback to the national team Harambee Stars after being approached by current head coach Benni McCarthy.
The 33-year-old Wanyama confirmed in a recent interview that the former South Africa striker, who took charge of Harambee Stars until the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), had tried to convince him to rescind his retirement decision and play for the national team again.
Wanyama quit playing for Harambee Stars in 2021, after he was overlooked for selection, this time for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. Before his retirement, he had last featured for Kenya in November 2020.
“Things have changed,” said Wanyama in an interview as quoted by BBC Sports Africa. “The way the federation manages the players and the national team, so that has already convinced me.”
He continued: “I’ve spoken to him (McCarthy) a few times and he was trying to convince me to go back. 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.”
The former Celtic, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur man captained the national side at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019, when Kenya finished third in their group behind eventual finalists Algeria and Senegal.
Wanyama made his debut for Harambee Stars in May 2007, aged just 15, in a friendly against Nigeria, and he went ahead to play in all six of Kenya’s 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
In September 2021, after being repeatedly overlooked for selection during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Wanyama announced his retirement from international football, marking the end of his 14-year duty.
Wanyama became the first ever Kenyan player to score in the UEFA Champions League when he scored the first goal in Celtic’s 2-1 win over Barcelona on November 7th, 2012.
On July 11th, 2013, Wanyama moved to Premier League club Southampton for £12.5 million, making him the most expensive player sold by a Scottish club at the time, surpassing the £9.5 million Russian club Spartak Moscow paid for Aiden McGeady in 2010.
In summer 2016, he moved to Southampton’s Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, where he stayed until March 2020, when he signed with Major League Soccer club Montreal Impact. In March 2025, Wanyama returned to Scotland to play for Dunfermline Athletic under his former Celtic manager, Neil Lennon.
The gap Wanyama left has not been filled
Flashscore sought reactions from various football stakeholders on whether Wanyama should return. According to former Gor Mahia coach Bob Oyugi, Kenya still needs the leadership qualities and experience from Wanyama.
“Wanyama left playing for Kenya prematurely, he should come back and complete the job he left,” Oyugi told Flashscore. “Every coach has his/her own philosophy, he (McCarthy), therefore, knows why he wants him back.
“The gap Wanyama left has not been filled, remember Roger Milla for Cameroon?" Oyugi further posed a question. “Roger Milla had retired at the age of 39 and was called back to reinforce the Indomitable Lions squad heading to the 1990 World Cup, where he made a record history, equally Wanyama can still do it for Kenya.”
Former Harambee Stars defender Noah Abich welcomed McCarthy’s decision, saying Wanyama still has unfinished business with the national team.
“He (Wanyama) is only 33 for heaven’s sake, he still got it, he can still help the team, his leadership qualities, his experience is required, I believe Wanyama never quit playing for Harambee Stars because he wanted to, he was forced because of poor management,” offered Abich.
“Now that we have a new FKF office in place, Wanyama can still come back and play for the team. We need Wanyama in Harambee Stars, his presence and experience is a great motivation to the national team... waiting for the best decision.”
Former Harambee Stars striker Elijah Onsika echoed Abich’s sentiments by saying: “With AFCON coming to Kenya, it will be good to have Wanyama in the squad, he has proved that he is a rock in the midfield, we have not yet got someone to play to his standards since he left.
“His availability could be a major boost to the team. They need quality and experience if they are to perform well in AFCON 2027. I support McCarthy’s decision to engage Wanyama for a comeback, because it is based on a player, who is still actively playing (not retired completely), and could really help the team move forward.”
It is not wise for Wanyama to make a comeback
According to former AFC Leopards and Harambee Stars midfielder Charles Okwemba, Wanyama did his best during his time with the national team, and his decision to quit should stand.
“If he returns he might be of some help at the heart of our midfield, and provide leadership, and experience at the same time, however I don’t think it’s wise for him to make a comeback,” Okwemba, who also played for Sofapaka in the Kenyan Premier League, told Flashscore.
“The Kenyan fans you know, and I know will target him more often than not, especially if all doesn’t go well either with him or the entire team during Kenya games.”
Okwemba concluded: “So if I were him, I would definitely decline the request, to me that’s a risk not worth taking, given all he’s already achieved in his career.”
Meanwhile, Kenyan fans have also taken to social media to air their views on the imminent return of Wanyama, who quit playing for Harambee Stars after making 69 appearances and scoring six goals.
Ronald Reagan said: “You are now obsolete to the team, kindly pave the way for young players to showcase their talents. During your prime time as a player we also experienced some liabilities in you and am rest assured that McCarthy is just considering a big “name” in you back in the days but not on delivery. My advice to you; better stick to your previous retirement decision. A good dancer knows when to leave the stage.”
John Tonga wrote: “Trying to convince Wanyama to do what? We have young talented players here and even in Europe not given the opportunity to showcase their prowess. If that’s true, the coach has started losing direction too early.”
“Your experience is needed, Victor! CR7 is still playing for Portugal at the age of 40. There are a few Kenyan internationals in their late 30s, who could boost the team with their experience,” said Gideon Mwololo.
If Wanyama decides to make a comeback, he will be available for Kenya’s next 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Gambia and Seychelles in September. Kenya will host the two nations from September 1st to 8th.
Kenya are lying fourth in Group F of the qualifiers after amassing six points from six matches. Ivory Coast are leading on 16 points, Gabon second on 15, while Burundi are third with 10 points.
