- Victor Wanyama has pulled out of the Harambee Stars squad for the friendly matches against Chad because of personal commitments.
- Wanyama was included in the Harambee Stars squad earlier this week for the first time since 2021.
- According to the Football Kenya Federation, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has replaced Wanyama with Austine Odhiambo.
Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama has pulled out of the Harambee Stars squad just days after being included in the team for the first time in four years.
Earlier this week, Wanyama was named in Harambee Stars provisional squad for the first time after announcing his retirement from the national side back in September 2021.
The decision from Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy to pick Wanyama led to both criticism and hope online from the supporters.
Some of these fans were happy for Wanyama’s return, describing it as a crucial one as his experience would have a positive impact on the current group of players.
At the same time, some Harambee Stars supporters described the move as a costly one, arguing that it denies youngsters a chance to showcase their God given abilities.
ALSO READ: 4 reasons why Victor Wanyama’s return to Harambee Stars is both a blessing and a curse
FKF explain why Victor Wanyama withdrew
However, on Friday morning, the Football Kenya Federation revealed that Wanyama had pulled out of the squad due to personal engagements.
“Football Kenya Federation can confirm that midfielder Victor Wanyama, who had been named in the provisional Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Chad, will not take part in the matches.
Wanyama was set to make a highly anticipated return to the national team fold, having been included in the squad for the first time since announcing his retirement from international football in 2021.
However, due to personal commitments in the United Kingdom, the Dunfermline Athletic FC midfielder has requested to be excused from the two matches,” read part of the statement.
Who will replace Victor Wanyama in Harambee Stars squad?
The communique added that McCarthy accepted the request made by Wanyama and has replaced him with Gor Mahia FC player Austine Odhiambo.
Odhiambo, the reigning Football Kenya Federation Premier League Most Valuable Player, is expected to play an influential role in the two friendlies that will be held in Morocco on Saturday, June 7 and Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
Finally, the exit by Wanyama also gives Odhiambo a golden opportunity to show the coach what he can do ahead of the CHAN tournament that kicks off in August in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Harambee Stars provisional squad
Goalkeepers
Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC), Sepstianos Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks FC), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City FC)
Defenders
Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Swaleh Pamba (Bandari FC), Abud Omar (Kenya Police FC), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia FC), Kenneth Nyamwaya (Bidco United FC), Brian Mandela (Stellenbosch FC)
Midfielders
Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia FC), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia FC), Timothy Ouma (SK Slavia Prague), Brian Musa (Kenya Police FC), Ben Stanley Omondi (Gor Mahia), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police FC), David Sakwa (Bandari FC), James Kinyanjui (KCB FC), Adam Wilson (The New Saints FC), William Lenkupae (Central Coast Mariners FC)
Forwards:
Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz FC), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari FC), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta)
ALSO READ: 4 reasons why Victor Wanyama’s return to Harambee Stars is both a blessing and a curse