Victor Wanyama issues rallying cry to Kenyan football fans

Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has urged Kenyan fans to channel the passion they showed at CHAN into the Kenyan Premier League (KPL), insisting that their support could transform the domestic game.

Kenyan fans have been one of the biggest stories of the 2024 CHAN tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Harambee Stars matches drew sell-out crowds, with only the last two games against Zambia and Madagascar seeing reduced numbers after CAF capped stadium capacity at 60 and 80 percent. Even fixtures not involving Kenya attracted strong turnouts, a trend that left many, including CAF officials, impressed.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

Despite this growing enthusiasm, Stars’ journey ended in the quarterfinals with a 2–0 defeat to Madagascar. Wanyama, however, believes the energy fans created must not fade with the tournament and wants to see the fans turn out in large numbers for local league games.

“The fans have kept the team going in this tournament; they have played a big part. Seeing that means a lot, and hopefully it will not just be for CHAN because the league is almost starting. I hope the fans will turn out in large numbers and support the players; it will help grow the game because everyone will want to come to Kenya and make our league better.”

Kibwage breaks silence after CHAN penalty miss

Reflecting on the tournament, the ex-Tottenham midfielder picked Kenya’s famous victory over Morocco as his standout moment. Chris Erambo’s first-half red card left Stars a man down, but Ryan Ogam’s early strike proved enough for a stunning win.

“I would say the best game for Kenya was beating Morocco. After receiving a first-half red card and still going ahead to win the game, it was unbelievable, and that was my favorite moment of the tournament so far,” he said.

CHAN 2024: All set for the semis as Sudan carry a nation’s hope while Morocco look to crush Senegal’s rising stars

“I was at home watching the game with my family, and I was buzzing. After the red card, I thought we were done, but seeing how the boys fought until the last minute, I was really happy to see them hold onto that lead and finish the game with a win,” he added.

Wanyama also reserved praise for head coach Benni McCarthy, crediting him with instilling confidence in the young squad.

“The secret was in the coach giving the players confidence. They stepped onto the pitch with a belief that is not easy for young players to have, and still put in top performances. That shows the confidence the coach instilled in them, and the freedom he gave them to go out and express themselves. It was wonderful to watch.”

Kenya now shift their focus to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with back-to-back home games against Gabon and Seychelles next week.

Harambee Stars prospect linked with a move to Crystal Palace to replace Eberechi Eze