Benni McCarthy’s first squad as Harambee Stars head coach had many familiar names who have been the backbone of the team. McCarthy announced a 50-man squad which was eventually whittled down ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifiers against the Gambia and Gabon. The squad which flew to Ivory Coast for the Gambia game, also had some new faces but none stood out more than William Lenkupae’s. William Wilson Lenkupae (in yellow) in action for Central Coast Mariners. Photo by Albert Perez. Source: Getty Images Who is William Lenkupae? William Lenkupae Wilson became the latest foreign-born player to earn a call-up to the national team. PAY ATTENTION: TUKO is in WhatsApp Channels now! Subscribe and read news in favourite messenger. Lenkupae was born in Australia on December 23, 2001 but is yet to make an appearance for the Socceroos, which makes him eligible to switch his allegiances. READ ALSO 5 things we learnt after Harambee Stars bagged stellar 3-3 draw against Gambia William Lenkupae’s career He is currently in the books of A-League side Central Coast Mariners where he is better known as Will Wilson. He primarily plays as a central midfielder but can be deployed as an attacking midfielder or a left winger. Lenkupae started his career at Box Hill United before moving on to Melbourne Victory where he transitioned to the senior set-up. William Lenkupae’s parents He has previously opened up on how his parents played an integral role in him picking up football as his path. “He bought me a ball and I remember we went to a car park to practice shooting. Since then, I’ve always wanted to play and for it to become my career,” he fondly said of his stepdad. “My mum has also been a huge influence. She’s always pushing me to achieve my dreams, encouraging me to do more and I am very grateful for that,” he added.
William Wilson has received a Harambee Stars call-up. He made his debut for Melbourne Victory in the FFA Cup playoff match against Perth Glory in November 2021. “I’m definitely starting to understand my position better and I’m becoming more disciplined as a central player. Since COVID, I believe I have levelled-up my game. My mentality has changed and I am very focused,” he said when he first made the first-team squad at Victory. He later joined Central Coast Mariners in 2023 where he was part of the squad that won the AFC Cup last year. He was an unused substitute in the final when they beat Al-Ahed of Lebanon. What can Kenyans expect from William Wilson? When he joined the Yellow and Navy in 2023, ESPN’s Joey Lynch said this about him, “A talented midfielder, the 21-year-old’s flashes were one of the few bright sparks in what was a turgid campaign for Victory last season, and now he’s in Gosford he just smacks of the latest young talent that will take the next step after leaving the Victory.”
And by the way, Central Coast Mariners is the same club legendary Jamaican athlete Usain Bolt played for when he was trying to go pro. He had a three-month trial with the Australian club before leaving. William Wilson Lenkupae’s stats According to data from Transfermarkt, the 23-year-old is 1.70m tall. His current market value is €150k (approximately 22.1 million Kenya Shillings). He has featured six times this season, but hadn’t played since January 11, when he came off the bench in a 4-1 loss to Sydney FC. Central Coast Mariners, whose home stadium is the 20,000-seater at Gosford, are currently 10th on the standings and last won a game on January 17. Foreign-born players with Kenyan roots Apart from Lenkupae, TUKO.co.ke has reported on the foreign players with Kenyan roots who can play for Harambee Stars. Top of the pile is Tyler Onyango who is currently attached to English Premier League side Everton. There is also Silko Amari who was born in England to a Jamaican mother and a Kenyan father.
by Martin Moses
