Victor Wanyama reveals conditions for accepting Harambee Stars coaching job
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 30.06.26. | 18:11
Since hanging up his boots, the 34-year-old has transitioned into coaching
Harambee Stars legend Victor Wanyama has revealed the conditions that must be met before he considers taking charge of Kenya's senior men's national football team, insisting the opportunity will only come when he feels fully equipped for the role.
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Having embarked on a new chapter in football after ending his illustrious playing career, Wanyama says his immediate focus is on earning the necessary coaching qualifications before thinking about leading the national side.
The former captain officially retired from professional football in April 2026, bringing the curtain down on an outstanding 18-year career that saw him make history as the first Kenyan to both play and score in the English Premier League and the second to reach the UEFA Champions League final.
Since hanging up his boots, the 34-year-old has transitioned into coaching. He has already obtained his UEFA B Licence and is undertaking his A Licence, which he is expected to complete later this year as he continues to build towards a career in management.
Despite his strong ties to the national team, Wanyama believes it would be premature to discuss coaching Harambee Stars at this stage, stressing that he wants to be fully prepared before taking on such a responsibility.
The former Celtic midfielder explained that his passion for football inspired him to pursue coaching, with his ultimate goal being to give back to the sport that shaped his career.
“At the moment, it's too early to speak. You know I'm still doing my badges, and one of the things that made me go back to do my coaching classes is my love for football.”
“Football is my passion, and I always want to give back. When the right time comes, and I feel like I'm ready, then I'll come and help.”
Wanyama also reflected on his decision to retire from international football in December 2021, dismissing suggestions that public pressure influenced his choice.
Instead, he explained that persistent injury problems and the demands of club football convinced him that stepping away from the national team was the best decision for his long-term health.
“Fans telling me to retire…that's a big joke. I think it was just time. I had a few injuries, and I thought it was time for me to also focus on the club, and that's why I tried to limit myself from travelling a lot and focus on the club level,” Wanyama revealed.
“With my sober mind, I don't think fans can tell me to retire, and then I just go on and do that. I think it was in my best interest for my well-being because I had a knee injury and it was bothering me, and that's why I also retired from football. So I had to take care of myself.”