Kenya proud of its ‘Saint’ Wanyama

KENYANS yesterday praised national football team captain Victor Wanyama for his move from Scottish champions Celtic to Southampton in the English Premier League.

The 22- year- old midfielder this week agreed to a four-year deal with Saints worth a record £12.5 million to become the first Kenyan to feature in English football’s top flight.

The Kenyan football federation was first to congratulate Wanyama, who took over the captaincy from Dennis Oliech in June. He had continued to be “Kenya’s football ambassador due to his exploits on the pitch”.

“It is through his sportsmanship and leadership qualities that led to the federation appointing him as the Harambee Stars captain,” said FKF chairman Sam Nyamweya.

“He’s always honoured his call-up to the national team and every Kenyan should be proud of his move.”

Wanyama’s father, Noah, himself a former international winger, said he was proud his son had set a precedent for other aspiring Kenyan footballers.

“Victor (his brother, Parma midfielder McDonald) Mariga (Wanyama) and Oliech (of French Ligue 1 side Ajaccio) have opened the way for other Kenyan youth to realise it was possible to play in top-flight football, “he said.

Wanyama, a former youth player, o also attracted interest from English giants including Manchester United, Arsenal and newly promoted Cardiff FC. – Sapa-AFP

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BENCHMARK: Victor Wanyama, the first Kenyan in the Premier League.