Key Takeaways
- Victor Wanyama says Safaricom Chapa Dimba gives young Kenyan footballers the exposure he lacked while playing at Kamukunji High School
- The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has completed his UEFA B license and is pursuing his UEFA A coaching badge with a view to managing Celtic FC
- Wanyama advises players to plan for life after football, highlighting Chapa Dimba graduates Alpha Onyango and Benson Omalla as success stories in the current Harambee Stars squad
Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has called on young footballers to work hard and grab every opportunity Safaricom Chapa Dimba provides. The ex-Tottenham Hotspur midfielder spoke with All-Stars players at Ligi Ndogo Grounds ahead of the tournament’s fifth season launch.
Wanyama reflected on his own journey from Kamukunji High School to international football. He noted that such a platform did not exist during his youth. ‘If this tournament was available when I played at Kamukunji, many of us would have secured moves to big European clubs much earlier,’ he explained.
The 32-year-old praised Safaricom for expanding the competition since he served as brand ambassador in its first edition. ‘This event continues to grow each year. The next generation now has a vital stage to display their talent and gain essential exposure,’ he stated.
Wanyama retired from professional football in late April. He has already earned his UEFA B coaching qualification and is currently working towards his UEFA A license. He hopes to begin his management journey in Scotland. ‘I want to start at Celtic,’ he said, referencing the club where he won league titles as a player.
The former defensive midfielder cited his past managers as major influences. ‘Mauricio Pochettino at Spurs, Ronald Koeman at Southampton, and Wilfried Nancy at Montreal all taught me valuable lessons about leadership,’ he noted. ‘I watched Nancy grow as a coach, and I believe I can create my own history too.’
Wanyama also encouraged senior players to prepare for careers beyond playing. ‘Football offers many paths. You can become a coach or work in administration. Do not simply finish playing and stay at home,’ he advised.
He praised current Harambee Stars internationals who graduated through Chapa Dimba, specifically mentioning Alpha Onyango and Benson Omalla. ‘Seeing these boys represent Kenya motivates younger children to work harder,’ he added. Wanyama believes early exposure to professional environments, such as the finalists’ visit to Tottenham Hotspur’s training complex, helps young players understand how top European clubs operate.