Harambee Stars fans and Kenyans in general have expressed mixed reactions to the return of Victor Wanyama into the national team fold.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe former Harambee Stars captain came out of international football retirement that lasted 1,644 days.Wanyama was named in the Harambee Stars squad released by head coach Benni McCarthy on Tuesday, 27 May, for the upcoming friendlies against Chad.A look at newly upgraded Raila Odinga Stadium set to host Mashemeji Derby [VIDEO]The inclusion of the former Tottenham Hotspur star comes after widespread speculation and reports of his return to the national fold.Kenya is set to face the Central African nation in back-to-back friendlies scheduled for Saturday, 7 June 2025 and Tuesday, 10 June, in Morocco.As expected, Kenyans took to various social media platforms to express their views on Wanyama’s return.##NAJAVA_MECA_8952718##On the Harambee Stars Facebook page, Elijah Gachie welcomed the return of Wanyama and the inclusion of other experienced players and explained why.“The coach is trying to build a CHAN squad for those who are complaining. Wanyama is a good leader and the coach is trying to bring experience in different departments like in defense we have Mandela. Adam Wilson is doing well at club level and he needs a close watch,” he stated.3 wins in 9 years, analysing Harambee Stars’ opponents ChadJohn Shis, on the same platform, agreed with Gachie.“Good to see Wanyama back. His experience and maturity are key.”Vicky Vilmour welcomed the addition of Wanyama, noting that the team will benefit from his experience.##NAJAVA_MECA_8952668##“At least some experience in the midfield with Wanyama coming back. Welcome back, maestro,” he posted.Dimore Oindo believes that the JMJ Academy graduate will stabilise Kenya’s midfield.“Wanyama is back. Our midfield was down. We lacked an experienced player like Wanyama,” he stated.CAF warns Kenya could lose 2027 Africa Cup of Nations hosting rightsFredrick Otieno welcomed the return of Wanyama but lamented the exclusion of Gor Mahia star Austin Odhiambo.“Mugubi is back. On creativity, we need Austin. Currently, I can’t see one who can replace Austin.”Renowned sports journalist Zachary Oguda took to his Facebook account to elucidate the thinking behind the squad by McCarthy.##NAJAVA_MECA_8952712##“Understanding this squad is so easy if you are a rational football fan;1. This is a CHAN Squad2. Buba (Timothy Ouma, Adam Wilson and Lenkupae (Moses) called for more integration in the coach’s system.3. Wanyama and Mandela (included for leadership reasons, not to play),” he explained.Gor Mahia announce ticket prices and refund ahead of Mashemeji DerbyWhile there is a section of fans supporting the return of the former Southampton midfielder, there are also fans who don’t see the need for Wanyama’s return to Harambee Stars.Katenge KE hoped that the coach would have utilised the opportunity to bring in younger players into the team, as opposed to already established players.“The Harambee Stars, these are the games to bring in the likes of Kevin Wangaya to the team. When will we grow? If we keep selecting 37-year-old Wanyama for a friendly match and leaving 18-year-old Wangaya and 18-year-old Kibet. It doesn’t make sense.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8952623##Geoffrey Muriithi agreed with Katenge KE.“Call the young players, Kelvin Wangaya and Aldrine Kibet. Who bewitched Africa?” he posed.Wycliffe Nyakwara Nyonga, on his part, expected integration of the U20 team that competed in the 2025 U 20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).Kakamega Senator Bonny Khalwale’s bold plan for AFC Leopards“I was looking to see more of the players who played in Egypt or under 20.”Eric Ochieng Odhiambo did not see the need for calling up foreign-based players, with CHAN starting in August“Should have used this opportunity to assess home-based players ahead of CHAN.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8952713##Ibrahim Rahim, on his part, wondered why Austin Odhiambo was overlooked.“What did Austin’s Odhiambo do for you people?”Waziri Mc Sundia reacted with a cheeky comment to the return of Wanyama.Kenya U20 captain opens up on his little known musical talent“We now need Francis Onyiso and Peter Dawo in the squad,” said Sundia.Provisional SquadGoalkeepersFaruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC), Sepstianos Wekesa (Kariobangi Sharks FC), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City FC)DefendersSiraj Mohammed (Bandari FC), Swaleh Pamba (Bandari FC), Abud Omar (Kenya Police FC), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC), Lewis Bandi (AFC Leopards), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia FC), Kenneth Nyamwaya (Bidco United FC), Brian Mandela (Stellenbosch FC)MidfieldersVictor Wanyama (Dunfermline Athletic FC), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia FC), Timothy Ouma (SK Slavia Prague), Brian Musa (Kenya Police FC), Ben Stanley Omondi (Gor Mahia), Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), Mohammed Bajaber (Kenya Police FC), David Sakwa (Bandari FC), James Kinyanjui (KCB FC), Adam Wilson (The New Saints FC), William Lenkupae (Central Coastal Mariners FC)ForwardsMoses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz FC), Beja Nyamawi (Bandari FC), Emmanuel Osoro (FC Talanta)
