English-based Kenyan defender compares Harambee Stars under McCarthy and Engin Firat

English-based Kenyan utility man Vincent Harper has examined the difference between the current Harambee Stars under head coach Benni McCarthy and the one guided by former coach Engin Firat.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

McCarthy took over the Harambee Stars job in March 2025 to replace Francis Kimanzi, who had served on an interim basis for three months following the exit of Turkish tactician, Firat.

McCarthy sweating over fitness of influential trio ahead of final 2026 World Cup qualifiers

For Harper he received his maiden call-up to the national team under Firat in October 2023 for a friendly match against Russia that was played in Turkey.

Although the 25-year-old did not feature in the match, he had an opportunity to train with his then teammates under Firat and having watched the current team as well as train with them on Monday, 6 October at the Police Sacco Stadium, he gave a comparison of the two teams.

“It is a lot more different from the last time I was here. This time, we like to play football with more passing than maybe going more direct, and I think that says a lot about the players that we have,” said Harper.

Born to Kenyan parents in Nairobi, Harper moved to England with his family at a young age, where he has been living and playing football.

A look at the almost complete Ksh700m new stadium set to host Mashujaa Day [PHOTOS]

Harper currently plies his trade with English fourth-tier side Walsall FC, where he has been a key player, including providing an assist in their 2-1 victory over Bristol Rovers on Saturday, 4 October.

After previous disappointment in 2023, the former Exeter City man, who primarily plays on the left midfield but can slot on the right or left back, is hoping to finally earn his full senior national team cap within the next seven days.

“It would be massive. It would be a big career achievement to play international football, especially for your country, and I am looking forward to it,” stated Harper.

Kenya will face Burundi on Thursday, 9 October in Bujumbura before concluding their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier campaign on Tuesday, 14 October with a fixture against the Ivory Coast in Abidjan.