Wanyama returns after four years as Harambee Stars begin CHAN preparations

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama to the national team ahead of the upcoming international friendlies against Chad, scheduled for June 7 and June 10 to be held in Morocco.

The headline inclusion of the veteran midfielder, who has come out of international retirement to rejoin the national team setup, has elicited mixed reactions.

Former Kisumu Posta striker and ex-Harambee Stars forward Elijah Onsika is among those who saw the move as a non-beneficial factor to the rebuilding many people expect McCarthy to do.

Onsika, now a respected CAF coaching instructor, questioned the logic behind bringing Wanyama back into the fold, stating that there are a number of young talent within the local leagues deserving international exposure.

"Benni McCarthy has a large pool of young players who can play better," Onsika told the Standard.

"It is time for the old players to give way. They have had their time and unfortunately, we have nothing major to show for it. Kenya should be building a team for the future, not looking backwards."

Wanyama last featured for the Stars during a 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Comoros on November 15, 2020.

A year later, he announced his retirement from international duty on September 27, 2021, following a fallout with the then-coach Jacob "Ghost" Mulee, who stripped him of the captaincy in favor of striker Michael Olunga.

For Onsika, a good dancer knows when to leave the stage.

His sentiments are much alike with many fans online.

A user identified as Manyasi posted on X (formerly Twitter): "Myles Lewis-Skelly got his first call-up at 18 years. Aldrine Kibet is hitting 22 and still no first team call-up. Instead, Wanyama is back baby. Benni McCarthy ain't him."

Another fan, Fred Engosia, chimed in: "Young players should be given a chance. Look at serious teams like Spain."

Agoro Sare High School coach Jerry Opondo, who led Ambira High School to win the Siaya County football title last year and now hopes to replicate that success in Homa Bay and Nyanza, echoed Oyugi's sentiments.

"Despite the rise of young talent, Wanyama remains a proven leader. His presence alone can elevate the mood of the camp. Many players will learn from him," Opondo stated.

"Stars are rebuilding, and leadership will be key. Critics should allow McCarthy to implement his vision."

The squad features a balanced mix of seasoned campaigners and exciting new talent, as McCarthy continues to shape his team.

Among the notable inclusions are Kenneth Nyamwaya and Swaleh Pamba, both earning their maiden call-ups to the senior national team.

This marks McCarthy's second camp with the Harambee Stars, and the upcoming friendlies will offer a key opportunity to assess the squad's depth and readiness as Kenya builds toward the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August.

Players are expected to report to camp on Friday, June 2.

Harambee Stars provisional squad

Goalkeepers

Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC), Sepstianos Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks FC), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City FC)

Defenders

Siraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Swaleh Pamba (Bandari FC), Abud Omar (Kenya Police FC), 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 (Kenya Police FC), Ben Stanley Omondi (Gor Mahia), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police FC), David Sakwa (Bandari FC), 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)