Wanyama eyes Celtic reunion as coach

Former Kenya national team midfielder Victor Wanyama has revealed his desire to coach Scottish Premiership giants Celtic FC in the future.

Wanyama announced his retirement from professional football on April 3, at age 34. He hung up his boots after a 19-year career, citing recurring knee injuries, and plans to transition into coaching while completing his UEFA A licence.

He became the first ever Kenyan player to score in the UEFA Champions League when he scored the first goal in Celtic’s 2-1 win over Barcelona in 2012.

‘I hope to get the opportunity’

“I have done my UEFA B and next month I have exams for UEFA A License,” Wanyama told Citizen TV. “Things like these as a footballer are good. Just be part of everything. If you can’t coach join anything that can help you.”

Wanyama added: “It doesn’t matter whether you want to be a coach or director, anything that can help you in the future, get involved and do it. I hope one day I can start with Scotland at Celtic. I hope one day I can get that opportunity. It would be good.”

On which coach inspired him most during his playing time, Wanyama said: “All the coaches that coached me, the likes of Mauricio and Koeman. I would say my last coach at Montreal, his name was Will, Wilfried Nancy.

“I have seen him grow as a coach and he really taught me a lot and I was learning from him. I saw I can also learn and make my own history like what he has done for that club.”

Wanyama made his Celtic league debut in a 1-0 loss to St Johnstone on 21 August 2011. He played in central defence rather than his favoured central midfield role.