Exclusive: Shikanda Urges Ex-Harambee Stars Captain Victor Wanyama To Consider Retiring At AFC Leopards

After SportsBoom.com exclusively reported that former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama could potentially return to the Kenyan Premier League, AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda has opened the door to the midfielder to serve a second stint and retire at the club.

Wanyama is currently a free agent following the expiry of his contract with Canadian giants CF Montreal, a club he joined in 2020 after parting ways with English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

Going by his rich profile and experience in professional football, which spans over a decade, Wanyama was expected to sign with a new club after it emerged that he would not be extending his stay with Montreal.

However, the seasoned midfielder is yet to find a new home or, at the least, be linked to a club ahead of the mid-season transfer window which is expected to open in January.

As Wanyama keeps his fans guessing about his next destination, Shikanda has boldly come forward to entice him to wear the famous blue and white colours for a second time.

WE ARE READY TO HAVE WANYAMA AT THE DEN

Shikanda, in an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.com, implored Wanyama to sign for Ingwe as a way of giving back, to the outfit that thrust him into the world, and reconnecting with his 'mother club'.

Unbeknown to many, Wanyama played for Leopards between 2006-2007 before moving to Swedish side Helsingborg IF U21 team the following year. Before his spell at Leopards, Wanyama featured for Nairobi City Stars although details of his spell with the Kawangware-based club are scanty.

His first stint at Leopards is best remembered for playing a significant role in marketing his then-raw talent to the world and subsequently securing him the move to Sweden.

Even though Wanyama is considered to have years left in his professional career, and returning to the Kenyan top tier would represent a massive downgrade, Shikanda has made a passionate appeal to the midfielder to retire at the Leopards.

The former Kenyan international believes that a move to Leopards will motivate more players to strive for professional football and would market the competition in a special way.

"We are ready to have him at Leopards as early as yesterday. If there is a deal we would love to see happen, is the return of Wanyama to Leopards. His presence at the club would mean a lot to our players and the league," Shikanda said in a telephone interview.

HOW BROKE INGWE WILL AFFORD WANYAMA'S SIGNATURE, SALARY

Despite the reported financial challenges at Leopards, Shikanda believes that if Wanyama was to move to Leopards, his decision would not be influenced by money.

Leopards have been struggling to make ends meet in recent months, with media reports suggesting that the situation has occasionally escalated to the point of players experiencing salary delays.

Nonetheless, Shikanda says the club is willing to offer Wanyama, who is considered one of the richest sportsmen in the country and region, a decent package in the event that, he agrees to put pen to paper.

"Obviously we can't offer him money that is commensurate with his profile and experience. We will, however, appreciate his services in a decent way. I believe if Wanyama was to sign for Leopards, he wouldn't do it to make money but, to promote the club and inspire players," he said.

WANYAMA URGED TO FOLLOW OLIECH'S FOOTSTEPS

Meanwhile, Shikanda called on the former Celtic man to take the path taken by Dennis Oliech in his final year in active football.

Oliech, a former Stars captain and striker, caught many by surprise after fulfilling his mother's wish and joining record Kenyan champions Gor Mahia in January 2019.

The former Nantes forward featured for Gor in both league and continental assignments with his memorable time while in the green colours being his solo effort goal against Egyptian giants Zamalek.

Shikanda, who was recently elected the National Executive Committee (NEC) member for Nairobi Region, asked Wanyama to endeavor to leave a rich legacy like Oliech did at Gor.

"The Gor Mahia fraternity respects Oliech so much owing to what he did for the club in 2019. His decision to join Gor meant a lot to the fans and the league back then. I urge Wanyama to do so. It will be a big honour to play for Leopards again," he added.