Wanyama warns the English game is wrong to cut back on foreign players
TIMOTHY OLOBULU in NAIROBI: Southampton midfielder Victor Wanyama has added his voice on the growing debate about whether or not English football should rein in on the number of non-European Union players.
In March, the English FA considered proposals to make it harder for non-EU players to gain work permits, hence in the long run reducing the number of foreign players plying their trade in England.
This move, according to the FA, would seek to promote home grown talent and improve the England team who have struggled to progress beyond the early stages of international finals tournaments.
Wanyama, Kenya’s national team captain for the upcoming 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, moved to Southampton from Celtic in the summer of 2013.
He said: “I don’t think it will be a good idea for the English FA to reduce the number of foreign players because if you look at the league, it is thse players who make the league better and without them it will not be the same.”
Wanyama has been an essential part of Ronald Koeman’s matrix this season at the South Coast, helping the team to seventh, their highest ever top flight finish.
Club award
He was awarded for his outstanding performances by receiving the ‘President’s choice’ award during the end season Saints gala for his exemplary performances.
Wanyama added: “I think this season has been better than my first because I finally settled and the best thing is that I played many matches. I am happy and proud of my performance and at the moment my only target is to improve.
“We have such a good team and what has been our secret is that we are a close knit group and everyone works for the other. We also have a great manager who has come in with a philosophy that suites the team.”
Southampton will be playing in the Europa League next season and Wanyama will be making a return to the glorious nights of Europe after a two year absence.
The midfielder was an integral part of Neil Lennon’s side that had a decent campaign in the 2012-13 Champions League when he scored Celtic’s winner in their 2-1 defeat of Barcelona at Celtic Park.
He said: “I feel great and happy going back to Europe because I have good memories from there. I am confident that we have a good team who can make a difference.”
# # # # #
