Wanyama opens up on how AFCON 2027 will transform Kenyan football

Former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama believes Kenya's co-hosting of the PAMOJA 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be a defining moment for the country's football, creating a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the final whistle.

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With one year to go before Kenya hosts the tournament alongside East African neighbours Uganda and Tanzania, Wanyama says the competition presents a unique opportunity to elevate the sport, inspire young players and showcase Kenya's football potential to the world.

The 24-team tournament, scheduled from Saturday, 19 June to Saturday, 17 July 2027, will mark the return of AFCON to East Africa for the first time in 51 years.

"I am really excited to see Kenya host the AFCON because it is a huge opportunity for Kenyan football," Wanyama told CAFOnline.com.

"It is a chance for the fans to see international stars right in their own backyard and, for anyone who loves football, this is a huge thing."

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Having captained Kenya at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt and enjoyed a successful club career in Europe, Wanyama understands the significance of competing on football's biggest stages.

The 34-year-old believes playing at home will give Harambee Stars a rare opportunity to impress both continental and global audiences.

"For the players, it is another opportunity to showcase their talent to the rest of the world," he said. "There's a certain confidence that comes with playing at home, and this will give them a comfortable platform to express themselves.

We will open up Kenyan football to the rest of the world, and this will be the beginning of our improvement."

Beyond the players, Wanyama believes the tournament can reshape perceptions of Kenyan sports, which have traditionally been recognised more for their dominance in athletics than football.

"I am glad these players will get a chance we never had when we were playing," he said. "People mostly know Kenya for athletics, but now we have an opportunity to showcase our football and our talent."

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The retired midfielder is equally excited about the infrastructure legacy AFCON 2027 is expected to leave behind. He says improved stadiums, training facilities and transport networks will provide a stronger foundation for sports development across the country.

"For a long time, sports in Kenya have suffered because there haven't been enough facilities," he explained. "Hosting AFCON will improve our stadiums, road networks and training grounds. It will ensure we build world-class facilities that will continue to benefit the sport."

Wanyama also believes Harambee Stars can use home advantage to produce their best-ever AFCON campaign. After captaining Kenya during their last appearance at the tournament in 2019, where the team managed one victory, he is confident the current generation can go much further.

"Hopefully the Kenyan national team can use the home advantage to make history," he said. "I am confident this team can do better than we did and reach the latter stages."

Drawing from his recent experience as a CHAN 2024 ambassador, Wanyama said he witnessed first-hand the excitement and economic opportunities that major football tournaments bring.

He believes AFCON 2027 will have an even greater impact, leaving a lasting legacy for Kenyan football and the country as preparations gather pace toward hosting Africa's biggest football showpiece.