Victor Wanyama reveals desire to launch coaching career at Scottish giants Celtic
Wanyama declared his retirement from professional football on April 3, aged 34. He ended his 19-year career due to ongoing knee problems and intends to move into coaching as he finishes his UEFA A licence.
He shared his retirement news on X, formerly Twitter, highlighting his pride in progressing from Nairobi to the elite stages of European football, wrapping up a 19-year journey, 17 of which were in professional play, with Scottish Championship team Dunfermline Athletic.
Wanyama was the inaugural Kenyan player to find the net in the UEFA Champions League, netting the opener in Celtic’s 2-1 triumph over Barcelona in 2012.
He has since voiced his strong intentions to take up coaching at the club where he first gained prominence upon arriving in Europe.
‘I can start with Scotland at Celtic’
“I have completed my UEFA B and next month I face exams for the UEFA A Licence,” Wanyama stated to Citizen TV, as reported by Pulse Sports.
“As a footballer, being involved in such matters is beneficial. Participate in everything possible. If coaching is not an option, contribute to other areas that assist you.”
The UEFA A Diploma, often called the A Badge, represents a senior professional credential, positioned as the second-most advanced certification, just under the UEFA Pro Diploma.
Under UEFA guidelines, the UEFA A Diploma splits into two categories: advanced and elite. The advanced category demands a UEFA B licence plus usually at least one year of practical experience. It prepares coaches for leading top amateur sides, youth squads in professional settings, and supporting roles in second-division professional competitions.
The elite category refers to the UEFA Pro Diploma, the top qualification needed for heading first-division professional teams like those in the Premier League or La Liga, along with senior national teams.
UEFA stipulates that applicants must possess a current UEFA B licence and accumulate at least one year of involvement in 11-a-side football post-B licence attainment before pursuing the UEFA A Diploma.
Wanyama continued: “Regardless of aiming for coach or director positions, engage in anything that supports your future. I aspire to begin one day in Scotland with Celtic. I wish for that chance to arise. It would be excellent.”
During his time at CF Montreal, Wanyama collaborated with Wilfried Nancy, and the ex-Tottenham midfielder feels he absorbed much from the manager.
“Every manager who guided me, including Mauricio and Koeman. I would highlight my final one at Montreal, named Will, or Wilfried Nancy,” Wanyama described.
“I observed his development as a manager and he imparted significant lessons to me. I realised I could absorb knowledge and forge my path similar to his achievements with that team.”
Wanyama earned 64 caps for Kenya
Wanyama featured in his initial Celtic league appearance during a 1-0 defeat to St Johnstone on 21 August 2011. He operated in central defence instead of his preferred central midfield position.
He entered as a late replacement in a 4-0 victory against Motherwell and featured throughout the second half in a 2-0 League Cup success over Ross County. He was in the starting lineup for Celtic’s 1-1 stalemate with Italian outfit Udinese in the Europa League.
This marked his debut European outing for the side. Wanyama registered his maiden goal for Celtic in a 1-0 success versus Hearts at Celtic Park, an impressive 25-yard effort that struck the upper corner.
His showings in December secured him the Scottish Premier League young player of the month honour. He netted his second Celtic strike on 2 January 2012 during a 3-0 win over Dunfermline at East End Park.
Wanyama found the target in Celtic’s 2-1 victory over Dundee United at Celtic Park and in the 4-0 rout of Hearts at Tynecastle.
Following his international introduction for Kenya in May 2007 aged 15, Wanyama accumulated more than 64 appearances for his nation and competed for them at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.