Former Harambee Stars Skipper Victor Wanyama./FILE
Former Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama is part of the 25-man provisional squad unveiled by Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy ahead of their international friendly against Morocco set for June 7.
The recall marks a sensational return for the veteran defensive midfielder, who stunned fans in 2021 by announcing his retirement from international football.
Now, four years on, the 32-year-old is set to don the national jersey once again—much to the delight of Kenyan supporters.
Wanyama, who made his senior debut at 15 in a 2007 friendly against Nigeria, went on to earn 64 caps for Kenya, scoring six goals and captaining the side from 2013.
A true servant of the game, his influence has been felt across Europe, where he’s plied his trade with distinction.
Currently turning out for Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic, Wanyama remains one of Kenya’s most decorated footballers. His glittering resume includes spells with Celtic (2011-2013), where he famously scored against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League—a historic moment as the first Kenyan to net in Europe’s premier club competition.
He later joined Southampton in 2013 before sealing a move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2016. In the Premier League, he racked up 10 goals—four for the Saints and six for Spurs—while earning a reputation as a commanding midfield presence.
Wanyama headlines a squad that blends experience with youthful promise as McCarthy begins shaping a side for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Rising talents Kenneth Nyamwaya and Swaleh Pamba have earned maiden senior call-ups, adding fresh impetus to the squad.
This will be McCarthy’s second camp in charge, and the Morocco friendly offers a vital chance to assess depth, cohesion and tactical flexibility ahead of the continental showdown in August.
The players are set to report to camp on June 2 to kick off preparations for the two international fixtures.
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 Victor Wanyama (Dunfermline Athletic 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 Coastal Mariners FC)
Forwards
Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz FC), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari FC), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta).
