Victor Wanyama Partners with 22Bet to Support Grassroots Football in Kenya
Victor Wanyama, former Harambee Stars captain, has signed a two-year partnership with 22Bet Kenya to serve as a brand ambassador and principal partner for his foundation’s grassroots football initiatives.
Announced on Monday, July 6, 2026, the collaboration aims to provide financial and institutional support for the Victor Wanyama Academy, which is nearing completion in Busia County and preparing for a new branch launch in Nairobi later this month.
The partnership is designed to tackle the systemic challenges facing young Kenyan athletes by shortening the pathway to professional excellence. Wanyama, the first Kenyan to play in the English Premier League, noted that the project is deeply personal, recalling his own journey. By providing European-standard facilities and elite coaching, Wanyama intends to ensure that the next generation of players is familiar with high-level environments before seeking opportunities abroad.
The academy is spearheaded by Victor Wanyama and his elder brother, McDonald Mariga, through the Wanyama Foundation. Mariga made history as the first Kenyan to win the UEFA Champions League.
Located on a 22-acre piece of land in Busia, the academy is almost complete, with the final stages of work focusing on the state-of-the-art playing surfaces. Once fully operational, the complex will feature an administration block, pitches for official league matches, and residential dormitories where players will receive formal education alongside their football training. While the initial intake focuses on boys, long-term plans include expanding to female footballers and providing specialized training for local coaches.
While elaborating on the academy, Wanyama said: “The programs that they are running in Europe will be implemented in our academies to help our young players be ready when they turn pro and avoid culture shock, which can take a long time to adapt to European football.”
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22Bet Kenya Country Manager Joash Ajuoga emphasized that the deal is a cornerstone of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. Ajuoga stated that the firm’s ambition is to see a future Ballon d’Or nominee or winner emerge from the region through these initiatives. This investment reflects a broader trend in Kenya, where sports betting operators contribute significantly to the economy, with the sector providing approximately KES 6.64 billion in excise duty alone during the 2022/2023 financial year.
Wanyama, who recently retired from international duty after a storied career with clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Celtic, and Southampton, views this academy as his legacy project. He remains committed to using his global influence to make a positive impact.
“I believe today is a significant and joyful day. Through our partnership with 22Bet, we are confident we can empower communities in many ways, spanning both sports and life skills. I am truly grateful to 22Bet for this opportunity, which will go a long way in supporting the community,” he said.
