Victor Wanyama Returns to Harambee Stars Squad for Chad Friendlies, Olunga Left Out
By Martin Cheruiyot
In a surprising twist for Kenyan football fans, former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has been named in the national team squad for two international friendlies against Chad, set to be played on June 7 and June 10, 2025, in Morocco.
Wanyama, who retired from international duty in 2021, marks a dramatic comeback under new head coach Benny McCarthy. The midfielder, currently playing for Scottish side Dunfermline Athletic, is expected to bring experience and leadership to the midfield.
Notably absent from the 25-man squad is current Harambee Stars captain and Al-Duhail SC striker Michael Olunga.
The squad includes a mix of home-based and international players, reflecting a strategic blend of youth and experience. Among the notable call-ups are midfielder Timothy Ouma of SK Slavia Prague, defender Brian Mandela of Stellenbosch FC, and rising forward Moses Shumah from Kakamega Homeboyz FC.
Full 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 FC)
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 Coast Mariners FC)
Forwards:
Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz FC)
Beja Nyamawi (Bandari FC)
Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta)
The upcoming matches serve as an important preparatory phase for the team ahead of 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August
