Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has confirmed that midfielder Victor Wanyama, who had been named in the provisional Harambee Stars squad for upcoming international friendlies against Chad, will not take part in the matches.
Wanyama was set to mark a highly anticipated return to the national team fold, having been included in the squad for the first time since announcing his retirement from international football in 2021. However, due to personal commitments in the United Kingdom, the Dunfermline Athletic FC midfielder has requested to be excused from the two matches.
Head coach Benni McCarthy has accepted Wanyama’s request and moved swiftly to fill the gap, handing a call-up to Gor Mahia FC playmaker Austine Odhiambo. Austine has been in fine form in recent FKF Premier League matches this season since returning from injury, and his inclusion adds creative depth to the midfield options available for the two fixtures.
FKF said it remains appreciative of Wanyama’s enduring commitment to Kenyan football and looks forward to future opportunities for engagement.
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 builds toward the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August. Players are expected to report to residential camp on June 2.
On Wednesday, McCarthy named a provisional squad, which features a balanced mix of seasoned campaigners and exciting new talent, as McCarthy continues to shape his team. Among the notable inclusions are Kenneth Nyamwaya and Swaleh Pamba, both earning their maiden call-ups to the senior national team.
This marks McCarthy’s second camp with the Harambee Stars, and the upcoming friendlies will offer a key opportunity to assess the squad’s depth and readiness as Kenya builds toward the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August.
