Benni McCarthy demands respect for Harambee Stars icon Victor Wanyama

Photo Credit - Football Kenya Federation.

Kenya national team head coach Benni McCarthy has called on the country to give respect to "icon" and former Harambee Stars midfielder Victor Wanyama.

The South African legend gave his thoughts while explaining his decision to recall the retired player to the Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Chad in Morocco.

Wanyama was the surprise inclusion in the provisional squad for the two matches, but the former Tottenham Hotspur player later asked to be omitted, citing personal commitments in the United Kingdom.

“You know Victor (Wanyama) is somebody that this country has to respect. When it comes to football, he’s one of the players who puts Kenya's name very high up on the map with his exploits at Celtic, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, together with Michael (Olunga), you know, and even Mariga,” explained McCarthy.

“So yeah, I think for me, to have the opportunity to give someone like that a chance back into the national team squad but also from the younger players that you bring in for them to learn from someone like Wanyama because it is better to learn from someone that has played at the highest level.”

He added: “It is just unfortunate that Victor (Wanyama) couldn’t make it because he had family matters, so it’s not a question of why the player didn’t manage to come, and I just think he is a local icon.”

Harambee Stars will face Chad in a pair of friendly matches scheduled for June 7 and June 10 in Morocco. The upcoming friendlies will offer a key opportunity to assess the squad’s depth and readiness as Kenya gears up for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August.