Harambee Stars midfielder Lenkupae parts ways with Australian club
By William Muthama, June 27, 2025Harambee Stars midfielder William Wilson Lenkupae has officially parted ways with Australian A-League side Central Coast Mariners, following the expiration of his contract.
The announcement was made via the club’s website on the evening of Thursday, June 26, 2025confirming the departure of Lenkupae alongside four other players.
At 23, the Samburu-born midfielder struggled to secure regular playing time after joining the Mariners in August 2023.
Across the just-concluded season, Lenkupae managed only five appearances out of a potential 26, with his final outing occurring in a 4–1 loss to Sydney FC in January.
Despite limited game time, Lenkupae left a memorable mark on the national team stage.
He earned his first call-up to the Harambee Stars under coach Benni McCarthy in March during fixtures against The Gambia and Cameroon.
In a dramatic debut, he came off the bench to score a 96th-minute equaliser against The Gambia in a thrilling 3–3 draw, subsequently earning a start in the match against Cameroon at home.
His technical versatility, capable of playing both midfield and wing,was evident during back-to-back friendly fixtures against Chad in early June, where he featured in both matches.
Central Coast Mariners also confirmed the departure of Noah Smith, Sasha Kuzevski, and one other contracted player. Midfielder Jack Warshawsky, meanwhile, will continue his career in the National Premier Leagues (NPL) following a transfer.
Separately, Australian-Sudanese forward Alou Kuol, another academy graduate from Brisbane, also left the club after his second stint. Kuol, who joined the Mariners in 2020, made over 100 appearances and even featured in the German Bundesliga with Stuttgart between 2021 and 2023.
In their official statement, the Mariners expressed gratitude: “The Central Coast Mariners thank all departing players for their efforts and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”
As Lenkupae looks ahead, speculation continues around his next move, whether he will return to the A-League, explore opportunities in Europe, or re-establish himself in Kenya. With national team duties on the rise, his next club choice may play a pivotal role in his development and international ambitions.