Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has confirmed that veteran midfielder Victor Wanyama will not feature in the upcoming international friendlies against Chad, despite initially being named in the provisional Harambee Stars squad.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsThe Dunfermline Athletic FC player had been poised for a much-anticipated return to the national team, marking what would have been his first involvement since officially retiring from international duty in 2021.##NAJAVA_MECA_8957778##However, personal commitments in the United Kingdom have forced Wanyama to withdraw from the squad.“Due to personal commitments, Wanyama has requested to be excused from the upcoming matches. Head coach Benni McCarthy has accepted the request,” FKF said in a statement.In response, McCarthy has handed a call-up to Gor Mahia FC midfielder Austine Odhiambo.Joseph Okumu’s Reims relegated after playoff heartbreak against MetzThe playmaker, who has been in impressive form since returning from injury, brings renewed creativity and depth to the squad’s midfield.“The Federation remains appreciative of Wanyama’s enduring commitment to Kenyan football and looks forward to future opportunities for engagement,” the statement added.Wanyama is yet to make a public comment regarding his initial return or subsequent withdrawal, even as debate continues among fans over the role of the former Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder in the current team setup.The national team is preparing to face Chad in two friendly matches scheduled for June 7 and June 10 in Morocco.Harambee Stars forward bows out of Iran with silverware as Esteghlal clinch Hazfi CupThese will be McCarthy’s second set of fixtures in charge of the Stars, as the South African tactician looks to build a balanced squad ahead of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) set for August.The current squad features a healthy mix of experienced campaigners and promising new faces.##NAJAVA_MECA_8957393##Among the first-time call-ups are defenders Kenneth Nyamwaya and Swaleh Pamba, both of whom have earned their maiden invitations to the senior team.Players are expected to report to residential camp on Friday, June 2, 2025.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)MidfieldersAustin Odhiambo (Gor Mahia 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)
