Okwemba questions Wanyama's return to Harambee Stars squad

Photo Credit - FKF Media.

Former AFC Leopards and Harambee Stars midfielder Charles Okwemba has criticised Victor Wanyama’s decision to return to the national team under head coach Benni McCarthy.

Wanyama was recalled to the Harambee Stars squad for the upcoming international friendly matches against Chad, scheduled for June 7 and June 10.

The 33-year-old had hinted in a recent interview that the former South Africa striker, who is in charge of Harambee Stars until the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), had tried to convince him to come out of retirement and play for the national team again.

“If he returns, he might be of some help at the heart of our midfield, and provide leadership, and experience at the same time. However, I don’t think it’s wise for him to make a comeback,” said Okwemba, who also played for Sofapaka in the Kenyan Premier League.

“The Kenyan fans, you know and I know, will target him more often than not, especially if all doesn’t go well. Either with him or the entire team during Kenya games.”

Okwemba concluded: “So if I were him, I would definitely decline the request. For me, that’s a risk not worth taking, given all he’s already achieved in his career.”

Former Harambee Stars defender Noah Abich welcomed McCarthy’s decision, saying Wanyama still has unfinished business with the national team.

"He (Wanyama) is only 33 for heaven’s sake, he still got it, he can still help the team, his leadership qualities, his experience is required. I believe Wanyama never quit playing for Harambee Stars because he wanted to, he was forced because of poor management," said Abich.

“Now that we have a new FKF office in place, Wanyama can still come back and play for the team. We need Wanyama in Harambee Stars, his presence and experience is a great motivation to the national team... waiting for the best decision.”

Wanyama made his debut for Harambee Stars in May 2007, aged just 15, in a friendly against Nigeria. He went on to play in all six of Kenya’s 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Who is in Kenya's 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).