Tottenham and Kenya in tug of war over Wanyama's availability for national team duty

david nganga

September 4, 2018 5:38 PM

Wanyama is likely to miss Harambee Stars' crucial qualifier game against Ghana's Black Stars

Victor Wanyama is at the centre of a tug of war between Tottenham and Kenyas football federation over his availability for national team duty.

According to Goal.com, Tottenham are unwilling to release the midfielder despite Football Kenya Federation (FKF) contacting them for his services ahead of Saturday's crucial match between Harambee Stars and Ghana.

“We have been engaging Spurs since the first day when coach Migne named the provisional squad for the Ghana fixture but so far we don’t have a proper answer to give you,” FKF Media Liaison Officer Barry Otieno is quoted by the sports publisher as saying.

Another source within the federation intimated that Spurs are reluctant to release Wanyama on grounds that he is not 'match fit.'

Change of plans

"He (Wanyama) returned to training only last week and Spurs’ medical staff feels Wanyama is not fit enough to play," the source said adding that the Harambee Stars captain is likely to miss Saturday's match.

Head coach, Sebastien Migne, could be forced to change his plans for the game against the Black Stars in the absence of Wanyama.

Ghana top Group F with three points after thrashing Ethiopia 5-0 in their opening group match in June 2017, while Kenya is third with no point after losing to Sierra Leone 2-1.

david nganga