Jamal: Wanyama does not play to his full potential at Harambee Stars

Former Harambee Stars midfielder Jamal ‘Malo’ Mohammed believes captain Victor Wanyama has never realized his full potential while playing for the national team Harambee Stars as he ‘limits’ himself.

The CF Montreal midfielder has donned the national colours for the last decade but has faced heavy criticism from fans over the years over what they believe is below-par performance when playing for the national team as compared to when he dons club colours.

Jamal played with the Canada-based midfielder for the national team and he has given an insight on what he believes could be the reason for the not so captivating performance from the national team captain. According to him, Wanyama tends to limit himself for fear of being erratic when playing for Stars.

"Wanyama is a very talented player - he has almost all qualities but I think he has not enjoyed his football with the national team much. He limited himself maybe for fear of making mistakes and being criticized online by fans. I wish he expressed himself more by keeping it simple and spreading passes because he is a good passer of the ball,” he said during the Tuchapiane Online Show on Wednesday evening.

Malo also believes that criticism from fans got into Wanyama’s head and was never his best version while turning out for the national team.

"He should have ignored all forms of criticism and focus on playing his football because he is one of the best defensive midfielders,” he added.

Wanyama missed Stars’ last two games against Egypt and Togo and it will be interesting to see if coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee sermons him for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.