Kenyan football star Victor Wanyama has hinted at a possible return to the national team, Harambee Stars, nearly four years after stepping away from international duty.
Wanyama, who officially retired from the national team in September 2021, made the revelation during an interview with BBC Africa. The 33-year-old midfielder last featured for Harambee Stars in 2020 and cited frustrations with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) as part of his decision to retire.
However, recent developments appear to have shifted his stance.
“I’ve spoken to him [coach Benni McCarthy] a few times and he was trying to convince me to go back,” Wanyama said. “He’s a big manager. He has been at Manchester United. Obviously, he’s experienced and he’s the kind of leader Kenya needs.”
McCarthy, a former South African international and Manchester United coach, was appointed Harambee Stars head coach earlier this year. His leadership seems to have played a key role in Wanyama’s reconsideration.
“I’m thinking about it, and very soon I’ll be making an announcement,” the CF Montréal captain added.
Wanyama made his debut for Kenya in 2007 at the age of 15. By the time of his retirement, he had earned over 60 caps and captained the side, including at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
He had previously insisted he would not return to the national team unless there was “more professionalism” at FKF. But in the latest interview, Wanyama acknowledged positive changes within the federation, particularly in how players are managed.
“Things have changed,” he said. “The way the federation manages the players and the national team has already convinced me.”
The midfielder’s renewed confidence may also be influenced by the election of his elder brother, former Inter Milan midfielder McDonald Mariga, as FKF vice president in December 2024.
Another factor could be Kenya’s upcoming role as a co-host of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania. While Wanyama maintained that the tournament is not the reason for his possible return, he recognised its significance.
“Obviously, it’s huge,” he said. “It will be the first time the country is hosting the Africa Cup of Nations. For the youth, it will be a great experience to witness their own national team competing in the biggest African competition. It will only give them the boost to work hard.”
Wanyama’s potential comeback could offer Harambee Stars both leadership and valuable experience as the team gears up for regional and continental challenges.
