Victor Wanyama Declines National Team Return Despite Call-Up by Coach McCarthy
NAIROBI, Kenya, May 30 – Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has officially ruled out a return to the national team despite being included in the latest provisional squad by newly appointed coach Benni McCarthy for upcoming friendlies against Chad.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced on Friday, May 30, that Wanyama, who retired from international duty in 2021, has opted out of the squad due to personal commitments in the United Kingdom.
“Victor Wanyama, initially named in the provisional squad for the upcoming friendlies vs Chad, has been excused due to personal commitments in the UK,” the national team said in a statement. “In his place, Gor Mahia’s midfielder Austine Odhiambo gets the call-up.”
Wanyama’s brief inclusion in the squad had sparked optimism among fans, especially after the midfielder recently hinted at a possible return. In an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Wanyama acknowledged that coach McCarthy had engaged him in talks to reconsider his retirement.
“I’ve spoken to him [McCarthy] a few times, and he’s been trying to persuade me to come back,” Wanyama told the BBC. “He’s a top coach, having worked at Manchester United. He brings a lot of experience and is exactly what Kenya needs right now.”
Although the 32-year-old midfielder acknowledged ongoing discussions and expressed admiration for the new leadership at the Football Kenya Federation, he ultimately decided not to join the national team at this time.
Wanyama, currently playing for Dunfermline Athletic in Scotland’s second tier, had a storied international career that began in May 2007 when he made his debut for Kenya at the age of 15 against Nigeria. He later played a pivotal role in Kenya’s 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign and became team captain in 2013, succeeding Dennis Oliech.
His most notable achievement as captain was leading Kenya to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt—marking the nation’s return to the continental tournament after a 15-year absence. Wanyama retired in 2021 after earning over 60 international caps and scoring seven goals.
Coach McCarthy, who recently took over the Harambee Stars’ reins, is expected to continue rebuilding the squad as Kenya prepares for the upcoming friendlies. The inclusion of Austine Odhiambo reflects a commitment to investing in younger talent while maintaining momentum under new leadership.
Wanyama’s decision to stay out of international football maintains the status quo, but his recent remarks suggest that a return might still be possible in the future under the right conditions. For now, fans will look to Odhiambo and others to carry forward Kenya’s aspirations on the international stage.
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Victor Wanyama Declines National Team Return Despite Call-Up by Coach McCarthy