Kenya has produced countless top-class athletes and sportsmen but Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama is arguably the biggest of them all.
Born and bred in Nairobi’s Muthurwa area, Wanyama defied all odds to make history and became the first Kenyan to play in the English Premier League match when he signed for Southampton in 2013.
Wanyama is the ultimate role model for any upcoming footballer from the country. Below, we look at some of the lessons young Kenyan footballers can pick from Big Vic.
Hard work Pays
Victor Wanyama would never have got to where he is without working his socks off. The midfielder played in the Kenya Premier League for the likes of Mathare United and AFC Leopards but through hard work and sheer determination, he knows features for a top 4 team in the most lucrative league in World Football.
Also worth noting is the player did not attend any football academy while young. Wanyama’s success is very much owed to pure talent and working hard to fulfill his potential.
Remain Humble
One of the most obvious Wanyama traits that will strike you once you meet him is his humble nature. Despite being a millionaire and a worldwide renown athlete, the ‘Lion of Muthrwa’ does not have an ego.
He is very down to earth is mostly seen attending local football tournaments while on his holidays. He never forgets where he came from which is a lesson many young footballers could do with.
Do not settle for less
By the time he signed for Southampton, Victor had already won the Scottish Premier League twice and could have comfortably stayed at Celtic where he would have won more trophies.
Instead, his desire to prove himself in a stronger league saw him make the move to England. At Southampton, the player was still not satisfied with being in a mid-table team.
His hunger for success saw him outgrow Southampton and he later made the move to a bigger and better team in Tottenham Hotspur 3 years later. He kept shifting his goalposts and to be fair, the trick has worked wonders for him!
Resilience
Last season, the midfielder endured what was easily his worst campaign fitness-wise. A niggling knee injury saw the midfielder miss almost 6 months of football action.
He however recovered towards the end of last season and made vital contributions as Spurs made it to the Champions League final for the first time in their history and captained Harambee Stars in the 32nd edition of the Africa Cup Of Nations.
Patience pays
Wanyama’s path to stardom involved spending most of his early career living in the shadow of his elder brother McDonald Mariga who played for Inter Milan and won the UEFA Champions League in 2010.
Being the smaller brother, Victor had to bide his time and play the waiting game. His brother was more experienced and would start in the national team while Wanyama patiently waited for his chance while on the bench.
His patience eventually paid off an right now, he is arguably a better footballer and a bigger brand than Mariga was. Patience is key!