Local Fans Celebrate Stars Captain Wanyama Spurs Return

NAIROBI, Kenya- Local fans welcomed the return of Tottenham Hotspur FC midfielder, Victor Wanyama to action on Saturday in his first outing since recovering from knee injury that saw him miss the start of the season.

The Harambee Stars captain came on in the second half of their 1-2 defeat to table-topping Liverpool FC in an English Premier League clash at Wembley having stayed away from national team duty to focus on regaining match fitness for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

His absence from the Stars squad that beat Ghana 1-0 in a 2019 AFCON qualifier before sinking Malawi by the same score in a friendly last Tuesday led head coach Sebastian Migne to accuse some players of ‘lack of respect.’

“He is a great inspiration to Kenyans. He is a big, big hero in Nairobi where many are watching right now,” the priceless voice of Irish football commentator, Jim Beglin, boomed when Pochettino brought on Wanyama in the 83rd minute.

Hundreds that turned out to watch the signature EPL clash of the weekend at En Market along Waiyaki Way, Kabete on the crowd-pulling SportPesa viewing and commentary truck cheered on as the player nicknamed ‘Lion of Muthurwa’ came on for England international, Eric Dier.

However, his brief cameo could not inspire Spurs to overturn a 0-2 deficit to Liverpool despite fellow substitute, Eric Lamela, crashing in a sumptuous finish from a tight angle in added time for the final score.

Afternoon treat

"I’m happy Wanyama is back, he should be included in Stars squad for our next AFCON game,” Wickson Njoroge, a second year Automotive Engineering student at Kabete Technical College noted.

"Wanyama is a player with no controversy and is humble despite the millions he is making in the EPL,” another student, Moses Muhanji, added.

The afternoon treat extended to the live screening of the EPL showdown that followed where Arsenal FC held on to edge home side Newcastle United FC 2-1 at St. James’ Stadium.

"There is always peace and security in the area whenever the commentary and viewing truck is around,” Martin Muturi, a disc jockey at a local pub told.

Esther Mumbi disclosed her hotel business made a killing on the day as football fans flocked her tiny eatery to buy food and drinks.

Juliet Ayuma added the match viewing experience has made Kabete popular with football supporters from surrounding areas drawn in by the spectacle.

In addition to the ultimate viewing experience, the residents took part in football trivia where they won branded giveaways including wristbands, mugs, and jerseys.