TAKEAWAYS

• Mustafa Kiiza says Victor Wanyama treated him like a younger brother at CF Montréal.
• Kiiza describes Wanyama as humble, hardworking, and “a legend of East Africa.”
• The Ugandan left back believes Wanyama will become a top coach after retirement.

Ugandan left back Mustafa Kiiza has paid heartfelt tribute to Victor Wanyama after the Kenyan midfield great announced his retirement from professional football.

Speaking emotionally about their time together at CF Montréal, Kiiza revealed that Wanyama became like an elder brother from the very first day he joined the Canadian club.

“From day one, he took me under his wing. He took me as his young brother,” Kiiza said.

Kiiza explained that Wanyama constantly pushed him to improve and played a huge role in helping shape his career.

“He’s always pushing me to see that maybe I do my best. I think he’s one of the people that has tried to help me a lot to see that I succeed in my career.”

The former KCCA FC star went on to praise Wanyama’s personality away from the pitch, describing him as humble, hardworking, and a true professional.

“He’s a very humble person, a very good human being, and he’s such a great person. He’s a top professional.”

Wanyama, who made history as the first Kenyan to play in the English Premier League, confirmed his retirement after a glittering career that included spells at Celtic, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and CF Montréal.

For Kiiza, Wanyama’s impact goes beyond club football.

“He’s been a legend of East Africa.”

The Ugandan defender admitted that although Wanyama had spoken to him earlier about his plans, the official announcement still felt painful.

“Yeah, he talked to me some time back that he was soon going to retire. It’s sad for me. But you have to respect his decision.”

Kiiza said Wanyama has nothing left to prove after playing at every level of the game, including the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League final with Tottenham.

“He has done it all. He has played each and every level.”

The left back also backed the former Harambee Stars captain to succeed in the dugout, especially after Wanyama revealed he will now focus on completing his UEFA A coaching licence.

“Trust me, he’s going to be one of the best coaches in the future. He has all the qualities.”

Kiiza pointed to Wanyama’s years of leadership, communication skills, and ability to connect with people as traits that will make him a top coach.

“He’s been a leader for almost 10 years or 15. He has the qualities. He’s a good leader, he’s flexible, and he can communicate well with people.”

He ended by saying he hopes to work with Wanyama again in football, this time in his next chapter as a coach.

“I just can’t wait to work with him maybe in one way or another.”