This archive report was first published on 27 September 2021.
On Monday, 27th September 2021, Victor Mugubi Wanyama, the former Harambee Stars captain, made a historic announcement: he was retiring from international football.
Wanyama, who has been a stalwart for the Kenyan national team for 14 years, made the decision after being omitted from the 2022 World Cup qualifiers squad earlier this month.
His last appearance for Harambee Stars was in November 2020, marking the end of an era for the 30-year-old soccer star.
"We have shared great moments together and I am proud to have been your captain and leader," Wanyama said in a statement. "But all good things must come to an end eventually; and after a long consideration, I have made the really difficult decision to retire from international football."
Wanyama, who made his international debut in May 2007 at the age of 15, went on to score seven goals in 64 appearances for the national team. He was appointed as the team's captain in 2013, leading the team to the Afcon finals in Egypt in 2019.
"Time has come to hand over the team to the next generation so that they too can make their mark and help our country reach even greater heights," Wanyama said.
Wanyama, who currently plays for FC Montreal in the USA, has promised to return to help the Kenyan Football Federation in the future.
