Tashan Oakley-Boothe has called on Dunfermline Athletic and Kenyan football fans to recognise and cherish the immense value Victor Wanyama brings to the game, despite his advancing years. The English midfielder, who came through the youth ranks at Tottenham Hotspur, shared his admiration for Wanyama, a player he once trained with at Spurs and now calls a teammate once more.
Oakley-Boothe reflected on his early encounters with Wanyama, admitting the Kenyan international was a formidable presence even back then. “He was a nightmare when I was younger. I didn’t want to go anywhere near him during training because he’d always step on my toes,” he joked. Now, however, their relationship has matured, and he sees Wanyama as a calming and inspirational figure at East End Park.
The veteran midfielder, who boasts 64 caps for Kenya and was part of Tottenham’s run to the Champions League final in 2019, joined Dunfermline in March in a surprise move spearheaded by new manager Neil Lennon. Though his time at the club was short last season, Wanyama made a notable impact, both through his presence on the pitch and his influence in the dressing room.
Oakley-Boothe believes Wanyama’s experience is exactly what the team and young players in general need to grow. “You can’t pay for experience,” he emphasized. “Having someone like Victor around is crucial. He’s been there, done that. Younger players can learn so much just from watching how he trains, how he plays, and how he carries himself.”
Wanyama’s return to the Kenyan national team has stirred debate, especially among fans who believe the squad should focus on blooding younger talent. But his leadership and know-how are seen by many as invaluable in a team striving to find consistency and a winning mentality.
With Oakley-Boothe now fully fit and eager to reignite his career after an injury-hit spell, Dunfermline are poised to benefit from a blend of youthful ambition and seasoned leadership particularly if Wanyama signs a new contract.
The Englishman also opened up about his stint in Portugal with Estrela da Amadora, describing it as a challenging period that tested his resilience. Language barriers and limited game time made it a difficult chapter, reinforcing the importance of regular playing time for a player in his mid-twenties.
Now focused on the future and settled in Scotland, Oakley-Boothe is hopeful of a successful season ahead. Should Wanyama return for another campaign, the club would be strengthened by a perfect mix of talent and experience, ready to challenge in the Scottish Championship.
