Wanyama wants consistency for future success

Victor Wanyama, after scoring a goal for his Southampton Team against Swansea last weekend. Harambee Stars leaves for Morocco on 11th October to play a friendly game against the Atlas Lions.

 Kenya captain Victor Wanyama believes the country can play in the next Africa Cup of Nations only if there is consistency both in the playing unit and the technical bench.

The England-based midfielder trained with the rest of the squad on Thursday morning ahead of the team’s departure for Morocco on today where they will face the hosts in a friendly match in Marrakech on Monday.

“We need to be more consistent with the players we pick and the constitution of the team. That is the only way we can have results in the long term. The culture of changing things over and over will not yield much. This is the first time I am working with coach Williamson and I have enjoyed the session,” said Wanyama.

“I have seen several young players in the squad and that is a positive. We need to keep this squad intact. The other important thing is to come up with a very good youth structure from where we are going to raise such talents,” added the Southampton midfielder.

Wanyama hopes the friendly against Morocco will improve the standards of the team.
“We need more of these friendlies so that the team can gel and grow. This is a good opportunity for us and the young players to gain experience. I am looking forward to the assignment,” he said.

Meanwhile, Williamson insists he will not incorporate Dennis Oliech into the team. Oliech, who allegedly invited himself to training with the rest of the squad has been on a charm offensive to get back to the national team after falling out of favour.

“I made my plans and he (Oliech) was not part of it. I won’t have to change my mind on that. There is a time for him and definitely not this one,” said the Scottish tactician.
“We still need him and I don’t think his time with the national team is over,” said Wanyama of his former team-mate Oliech.

Meanwhile, Wanyama was happy to be named the English Premier League (EPL) African player of the month in September.

The burly midfielder, who termed it an honour has been in impressive form for the St Marys club and scored his first EPL goal last month in a 1-0 win over Swansea after coming on as a substitute, a goal he never celebrated.

“Last season, I scored against Swansea but the referee disallowed my goal for offside. This time, I wanted to be very sure it’s a goal. It is a huge achievement for a league as competitive as that,” said Wanyama.