Namwamba Pulls Wanyama Out Of Retirement From International Football

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama is set to make a comeback at Harambee Stars, one year after retiring from international football.

The 31-year-old on Thursday, December 8 met Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba at the latter's office before he announced on social media that the midfielder will return to the Kenyan national football team.

The immediate former Montreal CF captain will therefore be available for team selection as well as the current captain, Michael Olunga.

"I Am delighted Victor Wanyama has agreed to return fully to Harambee Stars, rescinding his earlier decision to exit the team.

Sports CS Ababu Namwamba meets Victor Wanyama at his office on December 8, 2022. /TWITTER.ABABU NAMWAMBA

"In our mission to rebuild our football and elevate our national teams, our elite players must be at the heart of this renaissance. Michael Olunga too is in," the CS stated.

Wanyama announced his retirement from international football in September 2021, praising his accolades while at Harambee Stars where he captained the team to their outing at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2019.

"Growing up, it was always my dream to get the chance to represent my country. With a great deal of pride, I can say that I have been fortunate to live my dream!" Wanyama said in his letter.

"From making my debut against Nigeria to captaining the team at the African Cup of Nations finals in Egypt, these past 14 years have gone beyond what I ever thought possible. We have shared great moments together, and I am proud to have been your captain and leader."

He noted that it was time to hand over the reins to the next generation so that they can make their mark and help our country reach even greater heights.

"I hope to return one day to help the federation off the field, but until then, I will still be the Harambee Stars' biggest supporter and I will be cheering you guys from the sidelines," he added.

Wanyama was overlooked for the FIFA 2022 Qatar World Cup qualifiers against Uganda and Rwanda by former coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee.

His return coincides with Kenya's ban from international football lifted by the world governing body, FIFA, which now gives the team opportunities to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The country will also hope to secure hosting rights for the 2027 AFCON tournament after the Cabinet okayed the ambition to submit a bid to host it alongside other East Africa Community (EAC) States.

“In a bid to revive the prospects of Kenyan football, Cabinet sanctioned the revitalization of football as a key cog of our nation’s social fabric. This national effort will encompass the rebuilding of the national men’s team, the Harambee Stars, and the rebuilding of the women’s national team, the Harambee Starlets,” a dispatch from State House read.

“As a stepping stone towards the target of Harambee Stars qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in the year 2030, Cabinet approved the proposal to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027, alongside EAC partner states. Cabinet noted that the joint bid would deploy the power of sports in furthering regional integration.”