Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has heaped praise on current skipper Michael Olunga despite Kenya failing to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations for the third consecutive edition.The 33-year-old praised the leadership of the current captain Michael Olunga as he noted that he is impressed with the direction the Al Duhail forward is leading the team.A versatile and technically gifted midfielder, Wanyama made his international debut against Nigeria in May 2007 at just 15.Over his illustrious career, he earned 64 caps and scored seven goals before retiring in September 2021.##NAJAVA_MECA_8612356##He captained Kenya during the 2019 AFCON, where they finished third in their group behind champions Algeria and runners-up Senegal.The former Celtic and Southampton star, who became the first Kenyan to play in the English Premier League, explained that his early retirement was aimed at creating room for emerging talents.”It would be unfair to claim that my retirement hurt Kenya’s chances of qualification,” Wanyama remarked.”Saying that would discredit the hard work and dedication of the other players. I cannot play for Kenya forever, and my decision was intentional—to pave the way for younger players to grow and take responsibility, just as I once did, ” he told Flashscore.Three Kenyan referees picked for CHAN dutyHe continued, “Sure, qualifying for AFCON would have been a proud moment, but stepping aside was about the future of Kenyan football, not clinging to the present. Olunga has been exceptional—not just as a player but as a leader. I have great confidence in him and the direction he’s steering the team.”Despite his personal exit, Wanyama expressed disappointment over Kenya’s failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON.Harambee Stars have now missed three consecutive editions—Cameroon 2021, Côte d’Ivoire 2023, and Morocco 2025—despite the country’s pool of talented players.##NAJAVA_MECA_8613557##In the recent qualifiers, Kenya’s campaign fell short in a group featuring Cameroon, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.They managed only one win and three draws, accumulating six points, which proved insufficient for progression.Reflecting on the missed opportunity, Wanyama admitted it was a bitter pill to swallow.”It’s painful not to qualify for another AFCON, especially knowing the potential we have. But this is football—you learn, improve, and come back stronger. Our focus now should be on preparing well for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.”Harambee Stars begin Mapinduzi Cup quest against Burkina FasoWith the AFCON draw ceremony scheduled for Monday 27 January in Rabat, Wanyama remains hopeful for the future.”When the tournament kicks off, Kenyan fans will undoubtedly feel the sting of missing out again. But we must focus on learning from our mistakes and ensuring we don’t repeat them in the future.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8613558##His message was clear: while disappointment lingers, Kenya must now look forward, regroup, and aim for better results in upcoming competitions.
