In the heart of Muthurwa, Nairobi, where dust rises with the footsteps of dreamers, Victor Wanyama once roamed like a lion in his prime.
The roar of stadiums, the crunch of tackles, the heartbeat of fans—he has known them all. Yet, the Lion of Muthurwa has turned a new page. International football may have slipped from his boots in 2021, but the beautiful game still pulses in his veins, now coursing through classrooms, training grounds, and youth academies.
Speaking during CHAN 2024’s trophy tour on NTV, Wanyama’s eyes glistened with the pride of a mentor shaping futures. “CHAN is very important to Kenyan football as many local players had the chance to showcase their talent, and I know some who have been spotted,” he said.
“I met several scouts during the Kenya vs Zambia game. They gave positive feedback. The best match I watched was Morocco vs Kenya. Despite the red card, Harambee Stars rose to the occasion to overcome the fancied North Africans 1-0.”
March 2025 saw Wanyama step onto the pitch for Dunfermline Athletic, a Scottish club teetering on the edge of relegation. His arrival was no mere transfer—it was a mission, a lifeline.
“I enjoyed myself at Dunfermline, having previously played at Celtic. After seeing off my contract, I wanted to renew, but we couldn’t agree on new terms, so I had to leave,” he reflected.
The midfielder, now a free agent, described the stint as purposeful. Beyond the tackles and passes, his attention has turned to UEFA Pro Level coaching, where a rigorous two-week opening module is shaping him into a future strategist.
“I am still doing the classes. This is the next stage, learning, evolving, preparing to guide the next generation,” Wanyama said, a subtle grin revealing the fire that still drives him. With the tournament set to end this weekend, Wanyama applauded Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania for their resilience and progress.
“The most thrilling game I watched was Kenya against Morocco. The red card made it difficult, yet the team stood firm. Harambee Stars played well under McCarthy. I was impressed by Mansour Okwaro and Austin Odhiambo,” he said. In his words, one hears the rhythm of hope, the cadence of growth, and the vision of East Africa rising on football’s grand stage.
Despite Kenya bowing out to Madagascar in the quarter-finals, Wanyama sees promise. “There is hunger in the squad, and with experience, they will build on this for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. African football teaches you resilience; you grow through every challenge,” he added.
As Morocco and Madagascar prepare for the CHAN 2024 final at Kasarani Stadium, Wanyama casts a keen eye on the contenders. He tips Morocco as favourites, but respects the underdog spirit of Madagascar.
"Moroccans are favourites, but Madagascar are no pushover. They knocked out Kenya and showed bravery, discipline, and composure. Expect a tough clash,” Wanyama said.
