Wanyama returns as McCarthy unveils provisional Harambee Stars squad
Head coach Benni McCarthy included Wanyama in the squad released on Monday, marking the midfielder’s first call-up since announcing his retirement from international football in 2021.
Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has made a dramatic return to the national team after being named in the 25-man provisional squad for the upcoming friendly against Morocco on June 7.
Head coach Benni McCarthy included Wanyama in the squad released on Monday, marking the midfielder’s first call-up since announcing his retirement from international football in 2021.
The 32-year-old, who currently plays for Dunfermline Athletic in Scotland, is expected to bring leadership and experience as Kenya prepares for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Wanyama made his debut at just 15 in a friendly against Nigeria in 2007 and went on to earn 64 caps, scoring six goals. He captained the team from 2013 and became one of Kenya’s most successful footballers.
His career includes stints with Celtic, where he made history as the first Kenyan to score in the UEFA Champions League, and Premier League sides Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, where he netted a total of 10 league goals.
The squad announced by McCarthy blends experienced players with young rising stars. New faces include Kenneth Nyamwaya of Bidco United and Swaleh Pamba of Bandari, both receiving their first senior call-ups.
This will be McCarthy’s second camp in charge, with the Morocco match set to give him a chance to test new combinations and tactics. The team is scheduled to report to camp on June 2 as preparations begin for two upcoming international matches.
Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC), Sepstianos Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks FC), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City FC)
Defenders: Siraj Mohammed, Swaleh Pamba (Bandari FC), Abud Omar, 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, Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police FC), David Sakwa (Bandari FC), Ben Stanley Omondi (Gor Mahia FC), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), 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)
