Matano defends Victor Wanyama retirement u-turn

Matano says the midfielder will play a huge role in the Benni McCarthy-coached side as the South African seeks to build a formidable squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Wanyama, 33, made the provisional squad of 25 that will play in international friendlies against Chad in Morocco in June.

“The coach knows his weaknesses and his strengths. According to the coach they are lacking experience in the team and he needs someone who can help the young players, to give them confidence and guidance,” said Matano.

Wanyama, who joined Scottish second-tier side Dunfermline Athletic last January, last featured for the Stars during the AFCON qualifier 1-0 defeat to Comoros on November 15, 2020.

The former Tusker tactician has underscored the importance of grooming young players for the 2027 fiesta to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, but also felt that getting results against Chad in the June friendly was first priority for McCarthy.

“Wanyama is coming in to try and sort the challenges that the team is having today, what he is lacking in his team is what he wants Wanyama to mould in others. I don’t think He will be there with the team come AFCON in 2027.”

“Him being in the team is good, I support the decision. The team needs him, he is more exposed, and he is more experienced. The team needs a balance of experience and youth to build a solid team,” he added.

The decision to recall the former Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder was slammed by football enthusiasts, who felt that it would hamper the development of Kenyan football.

“Why would they call him again after retiring in 2021 when there are so many young talents out there who can play in that role? To me it is a bad decision,” posted Safari on X platform.

Another X user, Victor Makau, was of the thought that Wanyama’s inclusion was influenced by his brother, who is the vice president of the FKF.

“Has Mariga started overrunning the administration of Hussein Mohamed.. If Wanyama flops, the love and respect Kenyans show McCarthy will be over.”

“We need to give chances to youngsters from the U20s and not dead woods. However I know the politics involved. @husseinmoha this is retrogressive.” Calvin Gisore commented on X while tagging Hussein Mohammed in the post.

Others, however, view his return positively, saying his experience at the highest level could stabilize a relatively young and evolving Kenyan squad.

“Squad looking properly stacked for the Chad friendlies! That midfield depth with Wanyama back in the mix could be key. Experience meets youth - exactly what we need. Time to show them levels against Chad” Juma posted on X.

“The coach knows what he wants from him. Let’s give our Coach free hand to select whomever he believes will deliver his mission. Experience is largely needed in our Midfield,” another fan posted on Facebook

Wanyama is yet to publicly comment on his selection, but his return will undoubtedly be under close scrutiny as Kenya prepares for its crucial upcoming fixtures.