Victor Wanyama highlights impact of CHAN to Kenyan leagues
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 27.08.25. | 08:26
Kenya will be back in action next week in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Seychelles
Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has hailed the impact of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Kenya’s homegrown players, saying the experience will not only inspire them but also raise the standard of the local league.
Kenya exited the tournament at the quarter-final stage after a painful penalty shootout defeat to Madagascar, following a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time.
Despite the heartbreak, Kenya had impressed earlier by topping the so-called “Group of Death” with 10 points out of a possible 12.
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Reflecting on the competition, Wanyama said the tournament provided invaluable exposure to the squad.
“CHAN is important because it gives locally-based players a chance to showcase themselves at the international level. They gain experience and get the feeling of playing international football,” he explained in an interview with NTV.
He went on to highlight how the tournament could uplift the domestic scene by inspiring other players to dream of wearing national team colours.
“It will also improve the local leagues because young players, seeing others compete in CHAN, will be motivated to want to be there, be part of the team, and that will make the league better and more competitive. For many, it will do a lot of good for the league,” he noted.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Montreal CF midfielder further stressed that Harambee Stars will benefit directly, as players now understand what it takes to compete at a higher level.
“The players have now tasted football at the big stage and know what it is like to be there. The advice I can give them is to go back to their clubs, give their best, and work hard to earn a return to the national team.
We have AFCON around the corner, as well as some qualifiers coming up, and they should aim to maintain or even improve their levels so that we can see them again,” Wanyama advised.
Kenya will be back in action next week in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against The Gambia and Seychelles.
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