- Benni McCarthy has urged Kenyans to show respect to former national team captain Victor Wanyama.
- He defended his decision to include Wanyama in the squad, emphasizing the value of his leadership and experience for younger players.
- Wanyama was named in McCarthy’s squad last week as part of preparations for two upcoming international friendlies in Morocco.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has called on Kenyans to show respect for former national team captain Victor Wanyama following his recent inclusion in the provisional squad.
Wanyama, who retired from international football in 2021, was named in McCarthy’s squad for the first time since then as part of preparations for two upcoming international friendlies scheduled in Morocco on Saturday, June 7, and Tuesday, June 10, 2025 against Chad.
The matches form part of the team’s build-up for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) as McCarthy looks to fortify his squad.
However, the South African tactician’s decision to recall Wanyama sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some expressing disapproval.
A few days later, Wanyama withdrew from the squad, with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) later announcing that he had stepped aside due to “personal reasons” he is currently addressing in the UK, where he plays for Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic.
The former Manchester United first-team coach confirmed Wanyama’s unavailability, citing family obligations.
It’s just unfortunate Victor Wanyama couldn’t make it because he’s dealing with family matters,” McCarthy told FKF Media from their training base at Kasarani Annex. “So it’s not a question where the player didn’t want to come.”
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McCarthy noted that Wanyama’s situation isn’t unfamiliar to him, recalling his own unsatisfactory exit from the South Africa national team. He urged Kenyans to honor Wanyama, a player whose contributions to Kenyan football are undeniable.
I know, I’ve been through that in South Africa. I never had the send-off that I wanted after everything I did for my country.
So Victor Wanyama is somebody that this country has to respect. When it comes to football, he’s one player who’s put Kenya’s name very high on the map with his exploits at Celtic, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur together with Michael Olunga and Mariga,” he added
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Why McCarthy recalled Wanyama
With the CHAN tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, drawing near in August, McCarthy stood by his decision to include Wanyama, emphasizing the value of his leadership and experience for younger players.
So for me, having the opportunity to bring someone like Victor back into the national squad was also about giving younger players the chance to learn from him. Who better to learn from than someone who has played at the highest level? He has achieved a lot at that level. That was the main reason I included Wanyama,” he reiterated.
McCarthy’s remarks come shortly after FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga also urged Kenyans to respect seasoned players, criticizing the negative public sentiment as discouraging.
Mariga defended McCarthy’s decision to recall Wanyama, emphasizing the importance of supporting football legends who have served the nation with distinction.
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