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Jonah Ayunga (9), Mohammed Bajaber (7) and Wilson Lenkupae (11) during Harambee Stars World Cup qualifier against Gambia on March 20, 2025 at the Alassane Ouattara EbimpΓ© Olympic Stadium. Photo courtesy of FKF Media and Communications Desk.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has urged calm and patience as Kenya intensifies efforts to draw a new wave of overseas-based talent into the national team setup.
Among the standout names on McCarthyβs radar are Real Sociedad B forward Job Ochieng, Celta Vigo B Attacking midfielder Aldrine Kibet, Everton midfielder Tyler Onyango, currently on loan at Stockport County, and 28 year old Bristol City defender Zak Vyner.
The coach confirmed that conversations are ongoing with the players and their families, stressing that the process takes time but is moving in the right direction.
On Ochieng, McCarthy explained his reasoning for handing the forward a call-up to the current World Cup qualifiers.
βI still keep a very close eye on La Liga and the Championship because I have ex-teammates coaching there,β McCarthy said. βJob is a player Iβve watched pretty closely.
"Real Sociedadβs second team is very strong, they play in a tough competition, and he has impressed.β
On Aldrine Kibet, who completed his move to La Liga B side Celta Vigo B and is yet to earn a senior call-up, McCarthy was clear that the youngster remains in his long-term plans to be integrated into the national team in the future.
βKibet hasnβt really started yet and heβs still very young, so I donβt want to just throw him in. Heβs a player of interest, especially because he plays on the wing β an area we need more quality in.
"With his speed and goal threat, it was just a matter of time before I call him up, and the time is right now.β
The coach also revealed ongoing communication regarding Tyler Onyango, who joined Stockport County on a season-long loan from Everton by the close of the transfer window yesterday.
The 22-year-old previously spent the first half of last season with the Hatters before an injury cut short his spell.
βWe reached out to Everton about Tyler, and although I couldnβt speak to him directly, the team manager spoke to his parents, who expressed their desire for him to play for Kenya,β McCarthy noted.
βThe timing wasnβt right for this round, but going forward, heβs definitely someone I would love to have in the national team.β
McCarthy also opened up about his discussions with 28-year-old Bristol City defender Zak Vyner, who was first called up in May 2024 but could not feature as his Kenyan passport was not processed in time.
βI spoke personally to Zak. With the Championship just starting, he felt it was a bit too early, especially since heβs in the last year of his contract and fighting for a new deal.
"But he assured me he wants to play for Kenya, so itβs just a matter of when.β
McCarthy insisted that building the Harambee Stars squad requires patience, particularly with players balancing club responsibilities abroad.
Still, he remains confident that Kenyaβs next generation of talent will soon don the national colors, strengthening the team for future campaigns.
Β©Citizen Digital, Kenya
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- Among the standout names on McCarthyβs radar are Real Sociedad B forward Job Ochieng, Celta Vigo B Attacking midfielder Aldrine Kibet, Everton midfielder Tyler Onyango, currently on loan at Stockport County, and 28 year old Bristol City defender Zak Vyner.
- The coach confirmed that conversations are ongoing with the players and their families, stressing that the process takes time but is moving in the right direction.
Jonah Ayunga (9), Mohammed Bajaber (7) and Wilson Lenkupae (11) during Harambee Stars World Cup qualifier against Gambia on March 20, 2025 at the Alassane Ouattara EbimpΓ© Olympic Stadium. Photo courtesy of FKF Media and Communications Desk.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has urged calm and patience as Kenya intensifies efforts to draw a new wave of overseas-based talent into the national team setup.
Among the standout names on McCarthyβs radar are Real Sociedad B forward Job Ochieng, Celta Vigo B Attacking midfielder Aldrine Kibet, Everton midfielder Tyler Onyango, currently on loan at Stockport County, and 28 year old Bristol City defender Zak Vyner.
The coach confirmed that conversations are ongoing with the players and their families, stressing that the process takes time but is moving in the right direction.
On Ochieng, McCarthy explained his reasoning for handing the forward a call-up to the current World Cup qualifiers.
βI still keep a very close eye on La Liga and the Championship because I have ex-teammates coaching there,β McCarthy said. βJob is a player Iβve watched pretty closely.
"Real Sociedadβs second team is very strong, they play in a tough competition, and he has impressed.β
On Aldrine Kibet, who completed his move to La Liga B side Celta Vigo B and is yet to earn a senior call-up, McCarthy was clear that the youngster remains in his long-term plans to be integrated into the national team in the future.
βKibet hasnβt really started yet and heβs still very young, so I donβt want to just throw him in. Heβs a player of interest, especially because he plays on the wing β an area we need more quality in.
"With his speed and goal threat, it was just a matter of time before I call him up, and the time is right now.β
The coach also revealed ongoing communication regarding Tyler Onyango, who joined Stockport County on a season-long loan from Everton by the close of the transfer window yesterday.
The 22-year-old previously spent the first half of last season with the Hatters before an injury cut short his spell.
βWe reached out to Everton about Tyler, and although I couldnβt speak to him directly, the team manager spoke to his parents, who expressed their desire for him to play for Kenya,β McCarthy noted.
βThe timing wasnβt right for this round, but going forward, heβs definitely someone I would love to have in the national team.β
McCarthy also opened up about his discussions with 28-year-old Bristol City defender Zak Vyner, who was first called up in May 2024 but could not feature as his Kenyan passport was not processed in time.
βI spoke personally to Zak. With the Championship just starting, he felt it was a bit too early, especially since heβs in the last year of his contract and fighting for a new deal.
"But he assured me he wants to play for Kenya, so itβs just a matter of when.β
McCarthy insisted that building the Harambee Stars squad requires patience, particularly with players balancing club responsibilities abroad.
Still, he remains confident that Kenyaβs next generation of talent will soon don the national colors, strengthening the team for future campaigns.
Β©Citizen Digital, Kenya
Continue reading...
