Nairobi, Kenya – Veteran Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama has been granted leave and will not participate in the national team’s upcoming two friendly matches against Chad, scheduled to be played in Morocco in June. Wanyama, who had recently made a comeback to the Harambee Stars squad after a brief period of retirement from international football, cited personal commitments in the United Kingdom as the reason for his unavailability.

Squad Adjustments

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) officially announced on May 30 that Wanyama had been excused from the squad for these fixtures. In his absence, Harambee Stars head coach Benjamin McCarthy has called up 22-year-old Austine Odhiambo from Gor Mahia to join the team. Odhiambo, a dynamic playmaker who had an impressive previous season, finishing as the league’s top scorer, has also been entrusted with the captain’s armband for these friendly encounters, stepping into Wanyama's leadership role.

Preparations for Qualifiers

The friendly matches, slated for June 7 and June 10, are crucial components of Kenya’s preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The FKF stated that it respects Wanyama’s decision and anticipates his return to the national team for future competitive fixtures. For the upcoming friendlies, Austine Odhiambo will be looked upon to provide on-pitch leadership and inspiration for the Harambee Stars.