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KENYA
NIGERIA
That is what our very own Victor Wanyama's credentials look like as far as European football is concerned.
At the moment, it is hard to find another young player who has been mentioned in the same breath as Victor in Europe.
All summer, the biggest clubs in the world were linked to his signature.. Manchester United, Arsenal, Barcelona at some point, English champions Man City... to name but a few, were linked to his services.
They all monitored him at some point, which is an honour for any young player learning his trade.
Shone again
That was in the summer and he has picked up where he left off last season.
He has started the season very well for Celtic; he has scored the goals, tackled hard in midfield and provided that passing range that we all know he is capable of.
Wanyama has been a rock so far for the Celts and he is bound to improve.
His head coach Neil Lennon has said that he expects Wanyama to be a top player not just for Celtic, but also in future, when he does indeed move on, which I expect he will eventually do.
His star is shining.
National team matters
As with any player though, what matters is how well you do for your national team.
If there is an argument that many use to lay Cristiano Ronaldo's claim to being a better player than his nemesis Lionel Messi, is his form at national team level.
At Portugal, Ronaldo is the king, he is their best player and performs very well when he puts on their jersey. he is important to their cause.
Messi and Argentina are a different kettle of fish though.. It has never really worked out for Messi, and has been hit and miss, as he struggles to assert himself while on national duty.
Similarly Wanyama?
Must perform
Wanyama must do what he does for Celtic here, if he is to be revered as a top player both in Kenya and abroad.
He has the talent and all the right ingredients to make it, but so far for the national team, he has been passive and that is because he has done his job well and played according to instructions.
As all great players do though, they take over the team and show their worth.. They are not just passengers.. They do what they can to lift the side.
That is what sets apart Dennis Oliech and McDonald Mariga apart.... they are good players, but most important, they come to the fore when it matters.
Victor too has to do the same.
Good opportunity
Against South Africa's Bafana Bafana, Victor has the chance to show the world why he is being chased by all those elite clubs and why he is a hero in Scotland.
He has to show Kenyans his worth, he also has to be a hero for the national team.
The stage is set for him at Nyayo under floodlights... Will he take it???
