Mariga defends brother Victor Wanyama return to Harambee Stars

Photo Credit - FKF Media.

Former Harambee Stars and Inter Milan midfielder McDonald Mariga has defended Benni McCarthy’s move to recall from retirement his brother Victor Wanyama to the national team squad ahead of the upcoming international friendlies against Chad.

Wanyama, who had retired in 2021, was named in the provisional squad for the two matches slated for June 7 and June 10 in Morocco. However, the former Tottenham Hotspur player later withdrew from the squad citing personal commitments in the United Kingdom.

His position was taken by Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo. His call up further drew mixed reactions across the East African nation and according to Mariga, Wanyama was expected to add experience to the national team.

“I think the coach wanted some experience and leadership added to the squad. We have a good team, but limited experience,” said Mariga as quoted by Pulse Sports. “As a player, you want to learn under someone experienced.

“I don’t know what [Victor] has decided, but I will have a conversation with the coach to clarify his thinking. I have no power to decide who gets called up and who does not.”

Mariga further said: “Fans cannot tell someone to retire if they feel they can give more. We’ve seen players like Zanetti retire at 40 or 41. If you can still contribute to your club and country, it is okay. Asking players to retire early is a big problem.

“Even in our league, we call for players to retire as young as 32. Yet out there, players retire at 40 or 41. If you can still do it at that age, there’s no problem. I think fans need to give people a chance—even those as young as 16 or 17.”

The upcoming friendlies will offer a key opportunity to assess the Kenya's squad depth and readiness as Kenya builds toward the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August. Players are expected to report to residential camp on Friday, June 2.