• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 9 hrs ago

Wanyama keen on coaching future as he targets Celtic return

Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama is planning his next chapter, setting his sights on coaching just weeks after hanging up his boots.

The retired midfielder has revealed that Scottish giants Celtic would be his dream starting point as he begins life on the touchline, marking a potential emotional return to one of the clubs that shaped his career.

Wanyama, who ended a successful playing journey that took him across Europe and North America, says he is fully focused on building himself as a coach. He has already completed his UEFA ‘B’ coaching badge and is preparing for his UEFA ‘A’ License exams, showing clear intent to stay in the game.

The 34-year-old enjoyed some of his best moments at Celtic, where he won league titles and became a fan favourite. It is that strong connection that is now influencing his ambition to return—not as a player, but as a coach.

“I hope one day I can get the opportunity to start at Celtic,” Wanyama said, underlining his desire to give back to the club where he made his name on the European stage.

However, in a surprising twist, Wanyama did not pick any of his high-profile former managers as his biggest coaching influence. Instead, he pointed to a lesser-known tactician, Wilfried Nancy, as the coach who had the greatest impact on his thinking.

Nancy, who coached Wanyama at CF Montréal, helped the team reach the MLS playoffs and win the Canadian Championship. Wanyama says working under him opened his eyes to new ideas and gave him belief that he too can succeed as a coach.

During his playing days, Wanyama worked under top names like Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman, but it is Nancy’s growth and approach that left a lasting impression.

As he transitions from midfield general to future tactician, Wanyama’s journey now reflects a new mission using his experience to build a coaching career, with a hopeful return to Celtic firmly in his plans.