Kenya's Victor Wanyama joins national football team camp

Nairobi, Sep 6 (IANS)

Victor Wanyama of Southampton looks on during the warm up prior to a friendly match between RC Celta de Vigo and Southampton at Balaidos stadium on August 3, 2013 in Vigo, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The most expensive footballer in Kenyan history, Victor Wanyama, arrived in the country to take his place in the national team ‘Harambee Stars’ squad for their 2014 World Cup qualifier against Namibia.

Wanyama who moved from Scottish league champions Celtic to English premiership side Southampton in a £12.5 million deal in August, went straight to the team’s camp at Nairobi’s Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani upon landing Thursday, reports Xinhua.

His arrival completed the 27-man contingent listed to participate in the qualifier against Namibia.

Both teams are already out of the running to feature in Brazil next year.

“Having him in the team is a good boost for us and a statement that the game is important despite the fact that we are out of the competition to feature in the World Cup,” head coach, Adel Amrouche, said while welcoming the combative midfielder and his captain to the squad.

“It shows that even the biggest players in the country value their team and this will serve to motivate younger players in the team and those looking forward to play in it in the future when they see a player like Victor with them.”

Wanyama, who has featured for Southampton in all the three matches they have played this season, joined the rest of the foreign-based legion led by his predecessor French Ligue 1, AJ Ajaccio striker Dennis Oliech.