Wanyama set to debut for new club

Wanyama looking happy in the Montreal Impact jersey [COURTESY]

Kenyan skipper Victor Wanyama is set to start his official duty with his new club Montreal Impact on Saturday, March 7, when they face Dallas F.C in the Major League Soccer (MLS).

Wanyama will have to delay his French-speaking classes and get in the middle of the park to help the Quebec City side.

Montreal Impact coach and Arsenal legend Thiery Henry played a key role in convincing the defensive midfielder to switch from North London and join him in Canada.

“When I spoke to Henry and he told me he wanted me to join him in Montreal, I didn’t have to think twice. He has been a player that I have admired,” the 28-year-old told Impact sport.

Montreal Impact is a Canadian professional football team based in Montreal, Quebec.

Its MLS debut was in 2012 after the league settled on expansion.

They joined two other Canadian clubs to participate in the   Eastern Conference of the league.

The club which plays at home at Saputo Stadium made history in 2015 after becoming the first MLS club to qualify for the final of the CONCACAF Champions League but lost on aggregate to Club America.

Montreal are three times Canadian champions having won the championship in 2013, 2014 and 2019.

Wanyama becomes the third Kenyan footballer to play in the MLS after Lawrence Olum and Handwalla Bwana and the 'Lion of Muthurwa' can’t wait to win the club fans from across Africa.

“MLS continues to grow every season and I’m looking forward to bringing further awareness of this team, city, and league across Africa,” said Wanyama.

After Tottenham Hotspur announced on Tuesday, March 3, the departure of Wanyama, local coaches have hailed the move and believe it was on the best interest of the midfielder.

Former Harambee Stars coach James Nandwa believes he will still play a key role in helping Harambee Stars despite joining the MLS league.

“For such a talented and passionate lad, he must have been very bored and frustrated. He needed a fresh start and this is it.

"He will have less pressure to perform in the MLS and can still help the national team, especially with his experience,” said Nandwa.

Montreal Impact sits third on the MLS table.