Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama has hailed the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) as a pivotal tournament for the future of African football.
Speaking to CAFOnline.com, Wanyama, who has had a distinguished career in Europe with clubs like Celtic, Southampton, and Tottenham Hotspur, said CHAN provides a vital platform for home-based players to showcase their talent to a global audience.
“CHAN is a very important tournament for African football,” Wanyama said. “It gives the local players a chance to show what they can do and is also a good platform for scouts to come and watch some great talent and pick them up for bigger leagues outside the continent.”
Wanyama believes the competition helps prepare local players to compete at the same level as their counterparts playing abroad, ultimately building the future of African football.
He cited the example of Ayoub El Kaabi, who used CHAN as a springboard to a successful career in Europe.
He praised the Harambee Stars’ performance, noting that under coach Benni McCarthy, the team has achieved historic milestones by advancing to the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time in 38 years.
Wanyama urged the team to “keep believing they can do something special,” especially with the advantage of playing at home.
Beyond the on-pitch performance, Wanyama highlighted the broader impact of Kenya hosting the tournament, which has led to significant infrastructure development and a renewed passion for the sport.
“We have seen proper infrastructure being developed, good coaching and good players who are doing something for the country,” he said, adding that improved facilities will lead to better football and more talent discovery.
Wanyama sees CHAN as a crucial rehearsal for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
He believes the team’s current performance instills confidence that they can compete at the highest level.
