I don't know Bob Munroe- Southampton star Victor Wanyama following claims he once played for Mathare

Kenya National Football Team, Harambee Stars' Captain, Victor Mugubi Wanyama says he has never played for Mathare United or any of its affiliates. Speaking exclusively to The Nairobian at his house in Winchester, United Kingdom, Mugubi said that he was fed up of endless stories circulating in Kenyan media that he once played for the slum boys.

"I have never played for Mathare United or Mathere Youth Soccer Academy and never in my life have I signed for MYSA or any of its affiliates," said Mugubi.

This is the first time that Mugubi has personally commented on the matter but Mathare United Chairman has previously told journalists that Mugubi was once his player. In 2013 when Mugubi moved from Scottish side Celtic Football Club to Southampton FC, Munroe told The Standard that Mathare United was entitled to a share of the player's solidarity fee. Munroe presented documents to prove that Mugubi featured for various sides in the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) teams between 2001 and 2006.

According to Munroe, the documents were a clear proof that Mugubi played for MYSA Silver Stars in the Mbotela Zone from 2002 to 2003. Munroe argued that Mugubi then joined MYSA Gunners between 2004 and 2005. In 2006, Munroe claimed that the former Celtics Star represented MYSA at an Under-20 regional tournament held in Moshi, Tanzania and was even given a certificate of participation.

But Mugubi challenged Bob to give proof of the two of them ever meeting. He said, "While I was at Country Bus, there was a time when we played a tournament organized by MYSA, it shocks me to hear any claims about me previously at MYSA."

"Does Bob Munro even know me at personal level?" poses Mugubi.

The Southampton Football Club midfielder further added that he has never attended or held an off the pitch meeting with Munroe.

"I have never been with him (Munroe) at any point in my life. The closest I have come to meeting Munroe was when I said hi to him at the stadium while playing for Harambee Stars some time back in Kenya. Maybe he knew about me just when I joined the Scottish League," added Mugubi

Mathare alongside AFC Leopards laid claim on the player with claims that they both helped groom him before he turned 21. However, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) whose records showed that Mugubi had only signed with three local sides namely: Country Bus, JMJ Academy and Nairobi City Stars dismissed their claims.

He adds that he has never had any meeting with Munro. “I have never met him (Munro) at any point in my life,” maintains Wanyama. “The closest I have come to meeting Munroe was when I said ‘hi’ to him at the stadium while playing for Harambee Stars some time back in Kenya. Maybe he knew about me just when I joined the Scottish league.”

Mathare, together with AFC Leopards laid claim on the player alleging they both helped groom him before he turned 21. However, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) whose records showed that Wanyama had only signed with three local sides - Country Bus, JMJ Academy and Nairobi City Stars - dismissed the claims.

When contacted, Bob Munro sent correspondence to support his side of the story including email communication sent to Victor Wanyama.  One sent to Wanyama and dated July 11, 2013, Munro congratulates Wanyama after having been signed by Southamption and continues: “According to a written statement by MYSA Coach Victor Ngira, you played on his MYSA U12 team in 2002-03 which won silver medals and you were also the top scorer. In 2006, you also starred on the MYSA U16 team coached by Michael Amenga which won gold medals at the East African Cup in Arusha (see attached). Other MYSA coaches and leaders say you continued playing in MYSA in 2004-05. But, unfortunately, they cannot trace the team lists in the MYSA files.”

Bob Munro then made a request: “...MYSA would like to put in a claim as part of the FIFA Solidarity Mechanism. As there is now some urgency on this, it would really be appreciated if you would kindly send a return email along the following lines: “I, Victor Wanyama, confirm that I played continuously on MYSA teams from January 2002 until June 2006 when I played on the MYSA U16 team in the 2006 East African Cup in Arusha, Tanzania.”

The email continues: “However, if the memories of the MYSA leaders are inaccurate and you didn’t play on a MYSA team in either 2004 or 2005, please correct and adapt the above statement accordingly. I hope we can also meet for coffee when you are here in early September to captain the Harambee Stars against Namibia.

With thanks and best wishes,

Bob

These emails were never responded to by Victor Wanyama.