Hot prospects Benni McCarthy is convincing to join Harambee Stars ahead of AFCON 2027

The delegation comprising: FKF vice president McDonald Mariga, NEC member Yusuf Abdallah and national team manager Nick Kimanthi has begun engaging players with Kenyan roots who are eligible to represent Harambee Stars.

Among the players already contacted is US-born forward Andre Kenete Gitau, who has previously featured for US youth national teams and currently plays for 1. FSV Mainz 05 II in the Regionalliga Südwest.

Initial discussions are understood to have been positive, although it remains unclear whether the striker has committed to representing Kenya.

The FKF delegation is also expected to meet defender Zak Vyner, who is currently at Wrexham A.F.C.

Vyner had previously joined the Harambee Stars camp in 2024 but did not feature due to passport complications.

McCarthy has already indicated that the defender remains firmly in his plans.

“I spoke personally to Zak Vyner. With the Championship and the Premier League just starting, he felt it was a bit premature due to the accumulation of games in a short period. He did not want to jeopardize his situation, especially since he is in the final year of his contract and the club is working on a new deal for him. I respect that decision as I have been in a similar position myself,” McCarthy explained before Vyner’s move from Bristol City F.C. to Wrexham.

Midfielder Tyler Onyango is another player on McCarthy’s radar.

The youngster is currently on loan at Stockport County FC. from Everton FC

“Tyler Onyango is a player we contacted. We reached out to Everton to gather information and ascertain whether the player would be willing to play for Kenya. Unfortunately, I was not able to speak to him personally, but the team manager spoke to his parents and they showed genuine desire for him to represent Kenya,” McCarthy said.

Another player being monitored is Eliot Matazo of Hull City, who is eligible for Kenya through his mother.

However, the midfielder is still working his way back after spending nearly a year on the sidelines with injury and has yet to feature for the Tigers’ first team since returning.

Meanwhile, Linton Maina of 1. FC Köln has also been approached with indications that the winger, who previously turned down Kenya, could now be open to representing Harambee Stars.

Other players under consideration include Ray Roberts of Everton, Zech Obiero of Tranmere Rovers, and Sammy Henia Kamau of Hull City U21.

The recruitment drive forms part of McCarthy’s broader strategy to strengthen the national team ahead of the 2027 AFCON, where Kenya will be eager to field a competitive squad on home soil.