Former Harambee Stars captain explains why his academy is yet to launch
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 06.02.26. | 19:14
The 22-acre facility has already seen the construction of an administration block, classrooms, offices, teachers’ quarters, and dormitories
Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has revealed why his much-anticipated football academy in Busia is still not open.
Speaking about the project, Wanyama said the academy, spearheaded through his Wanyama Foundation, has been held back because the final touches, particularly the leveling and grading of the football pitch, which must meet professional standards.
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The 22-acre facility has already seen the construction of an administration block, classrooms, offices, teachers’ quarters, and dormitories.
The only remaining task is the leveling and grading of the football pitch.
“We have been building an academy in Busia, and it has not been easy because we are aiming for world-class standards. That has taken time, but we are now working on the pitches and making sure everything is done right. Very soon, it will be up and running,” Wanyama said at the Obi One Podcast.
The facility is envisioned to be more than just a training ground.
Young athletes will receive formal education alongside professional football development, ensuring they are academically prepared even as they chase sporting careers.
Teachers’ quarters will house tutors, coaches, and player handlers, while players will live on-site in dormitories, creating a fully integrated environment for learning and sport.
Wanyama went on to note that the facility aligns with his emphasis on early exposure for young players.
“We did not have the opportunities we are trying to provide to young players today. It is important to expose them early so that when they get chances to go abroad, they are not overwhelmed, they can adapt quickly and perform at their best,” he said.
Wanyama’s journey from local youth academies to global football stages has been remarkable.
He began at JMJ Youth Academy before joining AFC Leopards, with his performances earning him a move to Europe.
In 2013, he signed for Southampton from Celtic for €14.5 million (approximately Ksh2.262 billion), setting a record for a player leaving Scotland at the time.
At Southampton, Wanyama became one of the Premier League’s most reliable defensive midfielders, helping the club achieve its highest-ever league finish in the 2015/16 season.
In July 2016, he reunited with coach Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham Hotspur for £11 million (about Ksh2.255 billion), where he played a key role in Spurs’ rise, including their run to the 2019 UEFA Champions League final.
Injuries later curtailed his time at Tottenham, and after stints with CF Montreal and Dunfermline Athletic, Wanyama found himself without a club by mid-2025.
Now, his focus has shifted to giving back to Kenyan football by creating a platform for young talent to thrive both on and off the pitch.
