Harambee Stars Midfielder William Lenkupae Rewarded For Fine Form in Finland With Contract Extension

Harambee Stars midfielder William Lenkupae has been rewarded for his impressive form in Scandinavia after Finnish top-flight side Vaasan Palloseura (VPS) exercised their contract option to keep him at the club until the end of the 2026 season.

The 23-year-old, who has steadily grown into one of VPS’s most reliable performers since joining the club, has been instrumental in their strong domestic campaign, earning two Man of the Match awards and drawing praise for his tactical awareness, work rate, and versatility.

VPS Sporting Director Tommi Pikkarainen confirmed the club’s decision to extend Lenkupae’s stay, describing him as a player with “the potential and skill level to compete in much tougher leagues than the Veikkausliiga.”

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“His performances in international matches with Kenya showed that his potential and skill level are high enough to compete in much tougher leagues,” Pikkarainen said. “He hasn’t yet fully unleashed everything we see in him here at VPS this season, but we strongly believe his excellent qualities will be fully utilized in our brand of football next year.”

Since arriving in Norway, Lenkupae—nicknamed “Will Wilson” by teammates—has become a fan favourite thanks to his consistency and adaptability. The midfielder has featured across multiple roles, operating as a central midfielder, a left winger, and occasionally as an attacking playmaker capable of dictating tempo and controlling transitions.

The club, already planning for next season, announced that season tickets are on sale, with officials expressing optimism about the team’s direction under Pikkarainen’s sporting project.

Lenkupae’s growth at VPS has mirrored his rise at international level. Under Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy, he has become a regular squad member, featuring prominently in recent friendlies and earning plaudits for his composure and technical range.

He is expected to be part of the national team that faces Madagascar and Comoros in Antalya, Turkey, during the November FIFA window.

The contract extension marks another milestone in Lenkupae’s European journey and underscores VPS’s confidence in the Kenyan midfielder’s long-term value. With stability off the pitch and consistent minutes on it, Lenkupae will be eager to elevate his performances further as the club targets a strong 2026/27 campaign.

For both VPS and Kenya, his continued development represents a promising glimpse of what’s to come.