Vincent Harper: The England based defender set to earn his maiden Harambee Stars call-up

Twenty three year old left wing back Vincent Harper on Thursday 5 October, as per official communication from his club Exeter City, received his maiden call up to the Kenyan national football team, Harambee Stars, where he is expected to feature for Engin Firat’s side later this month.

Kenya is set to play Russia in an international friendly fixture slated for Monday 16 October 2023 in Antalya, Turkey; the last international involvement for the side before they embark on the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

In a retweet on his club’s post, the English-Kenyan professional footballer posted two heart emojis, seemingly confirming the news yet to be made official by Harambee Stars.

Who is Vincent McDyess Harper?

Fairly a new name to Kenyan football, a quick dig at Wikipedia describes him as an English-Kenyan professional footballer, who plays as a left-back for Exeter City.

Any connection to Kenya?

The same source indicates that the 5ft 9in player was born in Nairobi, Kenya, before moving to England when he was a toddler.

He also holds dual citizenship - Kenya and England.

International experience?

Harper’s call up to the Kenyan national team will be his first senior international call-up in his career, with it confirming his allegiance to commit to Kenya.

He has however been involved in the England set-up before, earning a single call up to the England C squad in March this year.

He played the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 win over Wales.

Club Career.

Harper came through the Bristol City Academy ranks from 1 July 2017, making a steady rise from the Academy to the Under 18 and Under 21 teams in two years, before making loan switches to Gloucester, Weston-super-Mare AFC and Bath City in the next three years.

On 20 August 2021, Harper joined National League North side Chippenham Town following a successful trial during pre-season, and after just three matches to his season, received an approach from National League side Eastleigh FC that ended up acquiring his signature in September that year.

It was at Eastleigh that he quickly established himself as a starter, making 69 appearances while scoring five times for the club in two seasons.

His recent move came in June this year, when he signed a two year deal (with the option for a third) with League One side, Exeter City.

His signing - on an undisclosed fee - funded by the 1931 Fund, a group who pay money each month to raise around £15,000 to sign a player and part-fund them for a season.

He ended up wearing the prestigious No.31 shirt, and was the first signing for the club that summer.

He has featured six times this season, two of the first two appearances coming from the substitutes’ bench.

Position / Attributes.

Harper’s main position is left back, and can also be deployed as a left midfielder.

In some instances this season, he has appeared on the left side of a back five, while also being pushed up into midfield.

On EA.Com, Harper has an overall Rating of 63, with his pace, acceleration, dribbling and physicality showing as his strong points.

There exists red-lines - meaning weaknesses - on a shoot power, finishing and long passing.

Kenyan defender leaves English club 18 days after signing

What has been said about him?

Upon signing Harper in June, Exeter City head coach Gary Caldwell referred to him as “a talented left sided player” who fit his profile that summer, adding: “Vincent was someone we saw a few times last season (at Eastleigh). He was in the football league and had to fight hard after being released to work back into it.

“He showed quality in terms of speed and dynamic, and once I met him, I found out about his character and desire and how big it was, and he is excited and driven to show he belongs at this level.”

His assistant Kevin Nicholson said: “He is the right kind of player for us. He is very direct and is coming here with a skillset and the tools to compete to get into our first team right now, but he is also nowhere near his ceiling.

“He has a huge amount of potential, and hopefully we can do what we do here at Exeter City and tap into that to help him achieve what he wants to achieve.”

His words on his play?

“I’m energetic. I love to defend and tackle but going forward and injecting a lot of energy as well,” Harper was quoted on Exeter City’s official website after his signing. “Whatever club you go to, it is good to have competition for places and drive everyone on to give it your best and if you give it your best, then you do well. I want to have success, individually and as a team, and want some goals and assists.”

Pending official confirmation of his call up to the national team set-up, Harper could face a battle with either Abud Omar and Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma for a place in Firat’s squad.