'They see you as one of their own' – Wanyama's love for Scotland

Victor Wanyama's return to Scotland in March on an unlikely rescue mission at Dunfermline Athletic came as a surprise to many.

But the Kenya midfielder - arguably East Africa's greatest ever player - says his affinity for the country's football fans meant it was not a hard decision.

"Scottish people and the community, they really look after visitors," the 33-year-old told BBC Sport Africa.

"They are good people and they embrace their culture.

"Always loving, it doesn't matter where you come from, and they see you as one of their own.

"And they love their football."

Wanyama's links with Scotland were born during his first spell there, having joined Celtic from Belgian side Beerschot in 2011.

The first Kenyan to play in the Scottish Premiership, he made his name by winning two league titles and a Scottish Cup, success that earned him a big-money move to Premier League side Southampton in 2013.

He would go on to be part of the Tottenham Hotspur team that reached the Uefa Champions League final in 2019, before moving to Canada for a five-year spell with Major League Soccer side Montreal Impact.

So how did African football royalty end up in Dunfermline, a city where Scottish kings and queens are buried, fighting relegation to the third tier?

The influence of 'winner' Lennon

Wanyama describes Neil Lennon (right) as a passionate manager and hopes to follow the Northern Irishman into coaching

The answer is simple enough - Wanyama's former manager at Celtic, Neil Lennon.

The Northern Irishman, 53, was also parachuted into Dunfermline in March, replacing Michael Tidser.

Knowing that Wanyama was a free agent, he decided the midfielder was just the kind of character his squad needed.

"He made me get to the next level of football," said Wanyama, explaining why he holds Lennon in such high regard.

"He knows me very well, so it is easy when someone like Neil calls.

"He's passionate and he's a winner."

Eight points from Lennon's seven games in charge was enough to see off the threat of relegation, although Wanyama's influence was limited by a red card picked up on his debut against Ayr.

"We had a young team and I had to play a role in that, speaking to the young lads, trying to help them in training," he said.

"I think that itself has been a big role."

The club also felt his off-field impact in other places, most notably in a club shop that sold out of adult replica shirts after a rush of orders to have 'Wanyama 44' printed on the back.

"Victor came in the door and that was it," said marketing manager Chris Addison.

"As soon as his squad number was confirmed, we saw the orders come in from the UK, his native Kenya, further afield. All over the world."

Wanyama's pull is evident outside the Pars' East End Park stadium, where fans wait with Celtic photographs and shirts to be signed.

"I couldn't believe it when I heard you were signing for Dunfermline," says one supporter while posing for a picture with a smiling Wanyama.

The Kenyan turns 34 next month but would be "happy" to re-sign - although that decision is likely to be influenced by whether or not the club can agree a deal to retain Lennon's services.

Negotiations are ongoing on both fronts.

Whatever comes next, Wanyama says he has no plans to retire, even if he is already thinking about a coaching career.

"That's something I'm passionate about and hopefully one day I can get into managing.

"Hopefully I can be the next Neil Lennon."

A return to action with Kenya?

Wanyama represented Kenya at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations - where the Harambee Stars lost to Sadio Mane's Senegal and exited at the group stage

While Wanyama might enjoy a warm love affair with Scotland, his relationship with his native Kenya has been somewhat more icy.

Having made his debut as a 15-year-old in 2007, he has not pulled on the red shirt of the Harambee Stars since 2020, having fallen out with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

Over the past decade the country's governing body has been plagued by several scandals and was banned from international football for nine months in 2022 because of government interference.

Two years ago, Wanyama stated that he would not return until the FKF demonstrated "more professionalism" - and it looks like that time could be now.

"Things have changed," he said.

"The way the federation manages the players and the national team, so that has already convinced me."

His change of heart is perhaps unsurprising given his brother, former Inter Milan midfielder McDonald Mariga, is now the FKF's vice president, part of new regime elected in December.

The appointment of another African legend, South African Benni McCarthy, as Kenya head coach has also helped.

"I've spoken to him [McCarthy] a few times and he was trying to convince me to go back," Wanyama revealed.

"He's a big manager. He has been at Manchester United. Obviously, he's experienced and he's the one that Kenya needs.

"I'm thinking about it and very soon I'll be making an announcement."

The lure of Afcon in 2027

Kenya will co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside East African neighbours Tanzania and Uganda

The prospect of playing on home soil at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations could be an added incentive to return to the international fold.

While Wanyama claims it is not currently influencing his decision making, he does believe co-hosting the finals alongside Tanzania and Uganda will bring benefits for Kenyan football.

"Obviously, it's huge," he said.

"It will be the first time that the country is hosting the Africa Cup of Nations, and for the youth it will be a great experience to witness their own national team competing in the biggest African competition.

"It will only give them the boost to work hard."

While he takes time to mull over his international future, Wanyama does not pause when asked a final question about his second home, Scotland.

What colours would a Wanyama tartan be?

"Green and white [for Celtic]," he responds instantly.

"That would look good."

Fans outside Dunfermline Athletic's East End Park stadium still remember the two Scottish Premiership titles Wanyama won with Celtic before continuing his career in the Premier League