Ace Football lists and profiles the three greatest Kenyan midfielders throughout football history.
Kenya has produced top footballing talents over the years and many have flourished in the top leagues around the world.
Ranging from goalkeepers to strikers, this East African country has had several professionals working in Europe. Among them, one of the top sectors is midfield – which requires immense strength and control to keep possession. In addition, midfielders are also asked to provide attacking and defensive support whenever necessary.
With all this in mind, Ace Football lists the top 3 Kenyan midfielders of all time in the world of football.
3. Anthony Akumu
During the last decade, this defensive midfielder has achieved substantial success as part of the Gor Mahia team. He aided his side to lift the KPL trophy back in 2013 and again in 2014. Akumu, unfortunately, could not make it to the 2019 Nations Cup squad. However, he was a key figure in Kenya’s national team in 2012 which lost to Uganda in the Cecafa final. Later, Anthony became a prominent unit for Zesco United; a club that won the league title three times consecutively (2017, 2018, 2019). He further achieved domestic glory with successful runs in Zambia.
2. Francis Kahata
This attacking midfielder was one of the reasons for Kenya’s qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. Even though the country failed to power through the tournament, Kahata’s contribution helped the Harambee Stars to secure the spot after 15 long years. In 2013, his role enabled Kenya to lift the Cecafa Cup following a failed season a year before. The former KF Tirana and Thika United star became a great deal for the Gor Mahia team which won the league without losing a single game in 2015. He too was involved in their uninterrupted success in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
1. Victor Wanyama
In 2019, this attacking midfielder became the second Kenyan to step into the final of the Champions League. Tottenham went on to crush Ajax in the semifinal to enter into their first-ever finale of the competition. Although sadly he did not play the end game, which marked nine years after his brother McDonald Mariga won the silverware with Inter Milan. Wanyama racked his first goal for Spurs back in 2016 against Crystal Palace. Immediately, the midfielder was enlisted in one of the favourites of the club. In fact, the Kenyan’s stints at Celtic and Southampton are also remembered by many. Wanyama helped the Saints finish sixth in the 2015-16 season, whereas he scored an unforgettable Champions League goal against Barcelona during his Celtic days. The super midfielder was highly important for Kenya against Sierra Leona, Ghana, and Ethiopia helping them book a place at AFCON 2019.
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