Victor Wanyama backs Benni McCarthy’s squad selection ahead of World Cup qualifiers
The 32-year-old midfielder also spoke about the possibility of making a return to the national team, saying, “When the time is right, then everything happens.”
Football legend Victor Wanyama has thrown his support behind Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy following the release of Kenya’s final squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Seychelles.
Speaking during a community engagement event at Laini Saba AMREF Grounds, where he interacted with locals alongside former Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Denis Onyango and Tanzanian star Mrisho Ngasa, Wanyama urged players and fans to trust the coach’s decisions.
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“The coach knows what’s best for this moment and for these two games,” said Wanyama. “The squad is good. For those who have not been called, they shouldn’t give up because they might not be needed now, but they will be considered in the future. They just need to keep working hard.”
Wanyama's remarks came in response to growing debate among fans regarding the exclusion of some key players. Wanyama stressed that McCarthy’s rotational approach since taking charge shows his awareness of squad depth and player readiness.
“For now, the coach knows what he needs. Those left out should not put their heads down. They are some of the best players in Kenya, and I’m sure they will be back,” he added.
The 32-year-old midfielder also spoke about the possibility of making a return to the national team, saying, “When the time is right, then everything happens.”
McCarthy unveiled his 23-man squad earlier this week, blending homegrown talent with experienced foreign-based players. Gor Mahia’s goalkeeper Job Ochieng earned his first senior call-up, while 13 players from the side that reached the semifinals of the 2024 CHAN tournament were also included.
Kenya will host The Gambia on Friday, September 5, before facing Seychelles on Tuesday, September 9, with both matches set for 4:00 pm at Kasarani Stadium.
With Kenya sitting fourth in their qualifying group on six pointsten adrift of leaders Ivory Coast, the fixtures are crucial.
Only group winners automatically qualify, while the four best second-placed teams head into a playoff to fight for a spot in FIFA’s intercontinental playoffs.
Final Squad
Goalkeepers - Faruk Shikhalo, Brian Bwire, Byrne Omondi.
Defenders - Sylvester Owino, Alphonse Omija, Collins Sichenje, Michael Kibwage, Rooney Onyango, Abud Omar, Lewis Bandi.
Midfielder - Richard Odada, Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Mansur Okwaro, Timothy Ouma, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire.
Forward - Emmanuel Osoro, Will Lenkupae, Job Ochieng, Boniface Muchiri, Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam.
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