Two reasons why EPL midfielder wants to play for Harambee Stars
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 23.09.25. | 07:28
Coach McCarthy, on his part, has previously expressed interest in bringing Onyango into the Harambee Stars fold
Everton midfielder Tyler Onyango has opened up on why he wants to represent the Kenya national football team, Harambee Stars, in the near future.
The youngster, who once dreamt of playing for England’s Three Lions, is increasingly likely to pledge allegiance to his father’s country.
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Born in England to a Kenyan father and a British mother, the lanky midfielder is currently on loan at Stockport County FC.
Though he has previously featured for England’s junior sides, he remains eligible for Kenya.
Many Kenyans have long hoped he would choose to don the Stars’ jersey.
Speaking in an interview with Citizen Digital, Onyango expressed his growing desire to play for Kenya, citing two main reasons behind his decision.
He cited the passion and unwavering support Kenyans have for Harambee Stars inspired him to to be part of the journey.
“Kenyans are amazing supporters of their national teams. I would love to be part of that journey and give them joy through football,” he said.
The second reason, he explained, is his admiration for national team head coach Benni McCarthy.
“Benni is a coach I admire. His experience is top-level, and it would be a dream to play under someone like him,” Onyango added.
Coach McCarthy, on his part, has previously expressed interest in bringing Onyango into the Harambee Stars fold.
He revealed that the federation had already reached out to Everton to establish the player’s availability.
“Tyler is a player that we reached out to, and we also contacted Everton to get information on whether he would be willing to come and play for Kenya,” McCarthy explained.
“Unfortunately, I was not able to speak to the player personally, but the team manager spoke to his parents, and they showed the desire for him to play for Kenya. But I think the timing was not on our side for him to come over then. Going forward, I definitely know he is a player I would love to have in the national team.”
Onyango is not the only England-based player being monitored by Harambee Stars.
Bristol City defender Zak Vyner is also on coach McCarthy’s radar.
Vyner joined Kenya’s camp last year but failed to feature due to passport issues.
“I spoke personally to Zak, and with the Championship and Premier League just starting, he felt it was too early because of the accumulation of games,” McCarthy revealed.
“He is in the last year of his contract, so he is also fighting to secure a new deal for his club — and you have to respect that. I have been in that situation before, so I try to understand both the players’ and the national team’s point of view. I am always on the side of the players.”
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