Benni McCarthy has been dealt a huge blow, with one of his top players withdrawing from the Kenya national team ahead of their upcoming friendly matches.
The South African coach had named a strong squad for Kenya's international friendlies against Chad, scheduled for June 7 and June 10, 2025. Both matches are set to take place in Morocco.
READ | Castro: Cardoso doesn't rely on usual SA football style
Included in the squad was veteran midfielder Victor Wanyama, who had recently come out of international retirement to rejoin the Harambee Stars.
The former Tottenham Hotspur star had earlier expressed admiration for McCarthy’s leadership, which he cited as one of the key reasons behind his decision to return.
However, Wanyama, 33, has now been ruled out of the two fixtures against Chad. The Kenyan Football Federation has since provided an official reason for his withdrawal from the squad.
"Victor Wanyama, initially named in the provisional squad for the upcoming friendlies vs Chad, has been excused due to personal commitments in the UK," Kenya stated.
In his place, Gor Mahia’s midfielder Austine Odhiambo gets the call-up."
READ | 'Ahly could have beaten Downs, but I hope Pyramids will win'
