Victor Wanyama Street post in Tanzania pulled down
An unidentified man carries the V. Wanyama signpost away after it was uproot from a street in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam. PHOTO | THE CITIZEN
What you need to know:
Mayor blames the revocation of Wanyama’s honour on “politics” and “orders from above”.
The signpost bearing Wanyama’s name, which had identified 250-metre lane for only a few hours, was pulled down and carted away on Sunday.
The mayor of a local authority in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania has expressed disappointment after revocation of a street name in honour of Kenyan international footballer Victor Wanyama.
The Ubungo Municipality Mayor Boniface Jacob says Ubungo National Housing Corporation Street was renamed in honour of Wanyama after the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder pledged to help develop the area.
“We followed all rules and regulations to name the street after Victor Wanyama... I know what is going on," he said, without giving details.
He blamed "politics" and "orders from above" for the revocation.
“The decision to remove the signpost did not consider the development of the area which Wanyama had promised to help improve.”
Birthday
The signpost bearing the Harambee Stars captain’s name, which had identified 250-metre lane for only a few hours, was pulled down and carted away on Sunday.
Coincidentally, the removal came on the same day the midfielder was celebrating his 26th birthday.
Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama during a team training session at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on March 24, 2017. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |
Wanyama, who posed for a photo at the signpost immediately it was erected on Saturday, is yet to react to the move.
The Kenyan international was honoured after he graced Ndondo Cup football tournament at the Kinesi grounds at the weekend.
He was invited by the Ubungo Football Association to attend the match pitting Kauzu FC against Faru Jeuri FC. Faru won 1-0.
Mr Jacob, the mayor, vowed to ensure the street is renamed after the star player.
“We promise to fight for that and get the positive results,” he said.
Ubongo councillors are expected to give their stand during a council meeting next week.
Wanyama enjoyed a highly successful first season with Tottenham after making an £11 million ($12m) move from Southampton last summer.
