Will Lenkupae Joins VPS in Finland
Kenyan midfielder William “Will” Lenkupae has officially joined Finnish top-division club Vaasan Palloseura (VPS) on a two-year contract, in a move that takes him from Australia’s A-League to the heart of European football.
The deal, confirmed by VPS on their social media channels, will keep the 23-year-old at the club through the 2026 season. Lenkupae joins after a successful spell with Central Coast Mariners, where he made a name for himself under the name Will Wilson.
Born in Kenya, Lenkupae holds dual citizenship with Australia and the UK, having spent a significant part of his youth abroad. His diverse background has shaped him into a well-rounded player, both technically and tactically. In Australia, he rose through the ranks and became an important figure for Central Coast Mariners, a club known for developing young talent.
While at the Mariners, Lenkupae helped steer the team to one of its most successful seasons. He was part of the squad that lifted the 2023–24 A-League Premiership trophy and went on to win the AFC Cup. His calm presence in midfield, ability to distribute under pressure, and work rate made him a key component in the club’s setup. He left at the end of the 2024–25 season after fulfilling his contract.
Internationally, Lenkupae’s progress has been just as exciting. In March 2025, he was handed his first senior call-up to the Harambee Stars, Kenya’s national football team. He marked the occasion with a memorable debut, scoring in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Gambia during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The performance showed that he could rise to the occasion on the international stage, and it earned him praise from fans back home.
His call-up and goal also marked a broader shift in Kenyan football, as more European and Asian scouts turn their attention to East Africa in search of emerging talent. Lenkupae’s success story is a sign of the potential that lies within the region.
His transfer to VPS is not just a personal milestone—it’s a significant move for Kenyan football as a whole. While several Kenyan players have played in Europe before, Lenkupae represents a new generation that blends international experience with strong national pride. He brings a mix of youthful energy, maturity, and hunger to succeed in a competitive European league.
In joining VPS, he’ll be expected to contribute to a team that has steadily built its reputation in Finland’s top flight. Known for their fast-paced and disciplined style of play, VPS offers a solid platform for Lenkupae to develop further. The Finnish Veikkausliiga may not be among Europe’s biggest leagues, but it serves as a valuable launchpad for players looking to break into more prominent European clubs.
VPS fans will be eager to see how the new signing adapts to the European game, and expectations will be high given his winning pedigree and international experience. For Lenkupae, this is a golden opportunity to test himself in a new environment, face tougher competition, and push for even greater achievements.
As the 2025–26 season approaches, all eyes will be on how quickly he settles into Finnish football. With his proven talent and strong mentality, there’s every reason to believe this is only the beginning of a long European journey.
For Kenya, Will Lenkupae’s move serves as inspiration—a reminder that local talent can thrive on the global stage when given the right platform.
Will Lenkupae Joins VPS in Finland
