Continuing our alphabetical world tour, next up is Kenya. One of 32 CAF nations to have been represented in the Premier League, Kenya has been represented by just one player over the years, according to the Premier League website.
First (and only) Player – Victor Wanyama (Southampton, Spurs; 2013-20)
After stints in Sweden and Belgium, Victor Wanyama secured a move to Scottish giants Celtic in 2011, aged just 20. Following two title-winning seasons laden with momentous European nights (Wanyama scored the opening goal in THAT victory over Barcelona), Wanyama moved to Southampton.
In Wanyama’s three seasons on the south coast, under Mauricio Pochettino and later Ronald Koeman, Southampton finished eighth, seventh and sixth. Their biggest problem in this period was retaining staff, with managers and players moving to bigger clubs with irritating regularity.
Wanyama himself left St. Mary’s in 2016, reuniting with Pochettino at Spurs for £11m. His time in North London was somewhat ravaged by injury, with the Kenyan only making more than eight starts in one season; 2016/17. He eventually left Spurs in January 2020, joining Montreal Impact.
Records
- Most Appearances – Victor Wanyama (154)
- First appearance – Victor Wanyama (West Brom 0-1 SOUTHAMPTON, August 17th 2013)
- Most goals – Victor Wanyama (10)
- First goal – Victor Wanyama (Swansea 0-1 SOUTHAMPTON, September 20th 2014)
Elsewhere
Wanyama’s departure from Spurs means there are no Kenyans still playing in the Premier League. However, 27-year-old midfielder Timbe Masika currently plays for Championship side Reading.
Trivia
- Victor Wanyama’s older brother McDonald Mariga won the Champions League with Inter Milan in 2009/10.
- Victor Wanyama is the current captain of the Kenya national team, having made his debut in 2007 at the age of 15.
