Wanyama withdraws from Harambee Stars squad for Chad friendlies

Victor Wanyama has withdrawn from the Harambee Stars friendly squad for Chad encounter; Austin Odhiambo steps in [Courtesy]

Veteran Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama has pulled out from the latest provisional Harambee Stars squad set for upcoming international friendlies against Chad.

Originally called up for matches in Morocco scheduled for June 7 and 10, Wanyama has subsequently been excused from the squad citing "personal commitments" in the United Kingdom.

The announcement marks a significant change for the team, as Wanyama, who last appeared for Kenya during a 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Comoros, had been recalled by head coach Benni McCarthy.

The decision to reintegrate Wanyama, who retired from international football in September 2021 amid a fallout with former coach Jacob Mulee, sparked mixed reactions within Kenyan football circles. Some saw it as a strategic move to bolster the midfield, while others expressed concern about overshadowing emerging talents.

The midfielder's previous international stint was cut short after he was stripped of the captaincy during his fallout with coach Jacon 'Ghost' Mulee, and his return to the squad was seen by some as a controversial but potentially valuable move for experience and leadership.

With Wanyama unavailable, the team has turned to Gor Mahia's Austin Odhiambo to fill the midfield slot. Odhiambo has been impressive in domestic competitions and will now have an opportunity to make his mark on the international stage.

The squad, announced by the Kenya Football Federation, features a mix of experienced players and emerging stars:

Harambee Stars Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari), Sepstianos Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City)
Defenders: Siraj Mohammed (Bandari), Swaleh Pamba (Bandari), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Kenneth Nyamwaya (Bidco United), Brian Mandela (Stellenbosch)
Midfielders: Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Timothy Ouma (Slavia Prague), Brian Musa (Kenya Police), Ben Stanley Omondi (Gor Mahia), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police), David Sakwa (Bandari), James Kinyanjui (KCB), Adam Wilson (The New Saints), William Lenkupae (Central Coastal Mariners), with Wanyama now replaced by Odhiambo
Forwards: Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta)