Despite his inclusion in the initial squad for Harambee Stars upcoming FIFA Series campaign in Kigali Rwanda, Wrexham defender Zak Vyner will have to wait a little longer before making his international bow for Harambee Stars.
Vyner, who signed from Bristol City in January, should have made his debut for Kenya in June 2024, but documentation issues prevented him from playing right before Stars were set to face Burundi and Ivory Coast in Malawi during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Despite being the centerpiece of head coach Benni McCarthy’s recruitment drive, the 28-year-old defender, who has played a key role for Wrexham in their push for promotion to the English Premier League, will not be making his international debut during this window at the Amahoro Stadium.
Vyner’s Previous 2024 “Trauma” With Harambee Stars
Speaking ahead of Kenya’s opening clash against Estonia, McCarthy shed light on the delicate process of bringing the Championship standout into the fold.
Vyner, who boasts a wealth of Championship experience for Bristol City as well, endured a previous brush with Harambee Stars in June 2024 that left him hesitant.
“Zak is an experienced player,” McCarthy responded to Hivisasa on Monday. “For a player like Zak, his last experience [with the national team] wasn’t the best. When a player is traumatized by an experience, you have to nurse your way into it. You have to convince them of the project.”
McCarthy traveled to England personally to watch Vyner in action against Hull City, initiating a series of heart-to-heart conversations to repair the relationship between the player and the federation.
The Passport Hurdle
While the emotional bridge has been built, the legal one remains under construction. McCarthy confirmed that while Vyner is fully committed to the Harambee Stars, the “paperwork” is the final barrier preventing him from wearing the red, green, and black in Kigali.
“He is optimistic. He wants to play for the national team,” McCarthy stated. “Zak wants to get all the paperwork out of the way so he can get his Kenyan passport and become eligible. That is when we will see him back. This trip was about showing him the initiative and the plan for 2027.”
The South African tactician was firm that while Vyner’s quality is undisputed, the defender’s inclusion is based on a genuine desire to represent his heritage. McCarthy rejected the notion of “begging” dual-nationality stars to join the squad.
“The fact that they want to come and play for Kenya is positive, instead of us forcing ourselves onto players. I’m never going to beg no one,” McCarthy insisted. “They have a Kenyan mother or father; they are as much Kenyan as every single one of you. The fact that they are excited and optimistic—that’s all you want.”
Looking Toward 2027
The absence of Vyner and fellow European-based defender Daniel Anyembe, who was excused to assist his club Viborg FF in a European qualification battle, means McCarthy will rely on other options such as Frank Odhiambo and Mike Kibwage for the upcoming games.
Kenya’s campaign kicks off this week at the Amahoro Stadium, with fans eagerly awaiting to see how McCarthy’s tactical shift fares against European opposition.
By Mark Kinyanjui
