Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has opened up on his international future after previously turning down a call-up to the national team under coach Benni McCarthy in June 2025.
Wanyama, who retired from international duty in 2021, was recalled by McCarthy but chose not to honor the invitation. The Harambee Stars went on to play Chad in back-to-back friendlies in Morocco without him.
The midfielder, who was in Kenya last August serving as an ambassador for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) trophy tour, explained why he opted out of the national team at that time.
“The coach called me up last June. We had a chat and he said my experience would help. I accepted it, but something came up on my end and I had to withdraw,” Wanyama told TV47.
McCarthy, who had selected a core of local-based players for the Chad friendlies in preparation for CHAN, had been counting on Wanyama’s vast experience—having played for Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton in the English Premier League—to inspire the younger squad members.
Although he declined the call-up then, Wanyama, currently a free agent, has not closed the door on returning to the national team. “However, I have not ruled out a return. If he feels I may be of help in a way or the other, I will be open to listening and see how I can help.”
Kenya went on to reach the quarterfinals of CHAN 2024, a campaign Wanyama believes showed the team is on the right track ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). “I think the foundation is now solid. I believe the coach will make one or two adjustments and I am sure by AFCON 2027, we will have a competent team,” he noted.
The former Celtic and Spurs midfielder also reflected on the competitiveness of African football, pointing out that CHAN 2024 proved there are no easy matches on the continent.
“I do not think any team underperformed. Many did not believe we would get through. Teams like Angola were viewed as favorites but did not get out of the group. At this level, you have to step up—there is no small team anymore.”
His sentiments mirror a growing belief that Kenya’s CHAN performance was not a one-off, but the result of greater tactical discipline and self-belief within the squad.
Away from the pitch, Wanyama emphasized the crucial role of fans in pushing the national team and domestic football forward. “Our fans love football naturally. They need to keep turning up in large numbers. Beyond the finals, they also need to support the local leagues and motivate these boys to work even harder,” Wanyama said.