Victor Wanyama’s highly anticipated return to Scottish football took a dramatic turn when his debut for Dunfermline Athletic ended prematurely with a red card. The experienced midfielder, who recently joined the Scottish club in a bid to help them avoid relegation, was shown a red card less than 20 minutes into his first match.
Wanyama’s move to Dunfermline came after he left Major League Soccer side CF Montreal at the beginning of the year. He had been without a club for several months before reconnecting with Neil Lennon, his former manager at Celtic. The two had maintained a positive relationship, which ultimately led to Lennon offering the former Kenyan international a short-term contract until the end of the 2024/25 season.
Expectations were high for Wanyama, whose experience at clubs like Celtic, Southampton, and Tottenham Hotspur had made him one of Africa’s most respected football exports. However, his lack of match fitness after an eight-month hiatus was evident when Dunfermline faced Ayr United, a team managed by Wanyama’s former Celtic teammate Scott Brown. Dunfermline suffered a 3-0 defeat, and Wanyama’s return was marred by the early dismissal.
Despite the disappointing debut, Neil Lennon was quick to downplay the incident and showed his support for the midfielder. Reflecting on their post-match conversation, Lennon revealed that the two shared a laugh about the situation. He emphasized that red cards are simply part of the game, especially for players who are still working their way back to peak condition.
“We had a chuckle about it,” Lennon said. “I was going to say, we’ve all done that, but I never did that!”
The lighthearted approach from Lennon reflected his understanding of Wanyama’s situation. Having not played competitive football for months, Wanyama’s timing and match sharpness were understandably off. Rather than criticize, Lennon chose to offer encouragement and focus on the bigger picture Wanyama’s transition phase and future ambitions.
Off the pitch, Wanyama is already taking steps toward the next chapter of his football journey. He is currently pursuing coaching qualifications, working on his badges in Belfast under the Irish Football Association. This move suggests a clear interest in staying connected to the sport, potentially transitioning into a coaching role after hanging up his boots.
Lennon acknowledged this evolving interest and hinted at the possibility of Wanyama returning to Dunfermline in a different capacity. “He’s doing his coaching badges. That’s another one he wants to add to his résumé, the coaching side of things as well. So maybe there might be something there for him going forward.”
Wanyama remains a respected figure in the football world, particularly in Kenya, where he is considered one of the country’s greatest players. His leadership, professionalism, and achievements in top European leagues have made him a role model for young African players aspiring to play at the highest level.
While his Dunfermline debut may not have gone according to plan, it has done little to tarnish his legacy. With the support of a coach who knows his capabilities and a clear path forward in coaching, Wanyama appears well-positioned to contribute to football both on and off the field in the years ahead.
