Victor Wanyama: MP urges Engin Firat to recall ex-Harambee Stars captain

Victor Wanyama and Brian Mandela during a past match for Harambee Stars. Photo: Imago

Victor Wanyama: MP urges Engin Firat to recall ex-Harambee Stars captain

Joel Omotto 18:16 - 10.09.2024

The legislator has urged Harambee Stars coach to consider recalling former captain Victor Wanyama into the national team amid their recent struggles.

Kiminini MP Didmus Barasa is calling on Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat to consider recalling Victor Wanyama into the national team.

Wanyama has not been part of the national team setup for nearly four years, his last game being in November 2020, and even announced his international retirement in 2021 before he rescinded the decision a few months later.

However, even after making himself available coach Firat has never handed him a call-up but Barasa feels the midfielder still has something to give, hence his calls for his inclusion.

“National team coach Engine Firat and the @Football_Kenya should unequivocally bring midfield maestro @VictorWanyama into the national team. As he is presently playing for CF Montreal, Wanyama's addition would undoubtedly enhance the exceptional talent already present in the team,” Barasa posted on X on Tuesday, ahead of Harambee Stars’ 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Namibia.

Kenya started their qualification journey with a dull goalless draw against Zimbabwe last Friday, when Firat’s team selection and tactics were questioned by fans, and there is hope that they can rise to the occasion against the Brave Warriors in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Wanyama does not, however, appear to have a route back into the team given he is also struggling for game time at his MLS club CF Montreal.

The midfielder has turned into a bench warmer since the second half of last season and the situation has not changed in 2024 even with the departure of coach Hernan Losada and the arrival of Laurent Courtois.

Wanyama has watched proceedings from the bench in the last four straight matches and his peripheral role looks like it will continue as he enters into the final months of his contract.

The midfielder earned 64 caps for Kenya, while scoring six goals between 2007 and 2020, and captained the side from 2013, leading them to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

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