Harambee Stars Boss Benni McCarthy on Why He Snapped Up Real Sociedad's Job Ochieng Ahead of Gambia, Seychelles Tests

Benni McCarthy has explained why he called up Real Sociedad wonderkid Job Ochieng to his squad, while opening up on plans to snap up Everton midfielder Tyler Onyango for Harambee Stars.

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has explained why he drafted Real Sociedad’s Job Ochieng into his squad for Kenya’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Seychelles at Kasarani Stadium this September.

McCarthy called up the former Ligi Ndogo star into his squad for the first time ever after the speedy winger showed impressive form for the La Liga side’s B team, already scoring once in two league appearances this season.

Speaking to the media from the Utalii Sports Grounds in Nairobi on Monday afternoon, McCarthy explained his reasoning to snap him up.

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“Obviously, Job has been playing regularly and he even scored in his last game. He’s a player we’ve been interested in for a while. 

“He plays on the wing, which is an area where we need top-quality players—players with speed, ability, and a goal-scoring threat. So, really, it was just a matter of time before I called him up. The time is right now.”

McCarthy: Tyler Onyango’s Parents Want Him to Play For Kenya

Meanwhile, McCarthy also explained the side has already reached out to Everton to enquire about the possibility of snapping up Tyler Onyango, a box to box midfielder who has earned comparisons to former Arsenal great Patrick Vieira.

“As for Tyler Onyango, he’s another player we reached out to. We contacted Everton to gather some information and to see if he would be willing to play for Kenya. 

“Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to speak to him personally, but our team manager spoke with his parents. They expressed their desire for him to represent Kenya. 

“However, the timing wasn’t ideal, and we didn’t have enough time to finalize everything and bring him into the squad. That said, I definitely know that going forward, Tyler is a player I’d love to have in the national team.”

McCarthy: Zak Vyner Excited to Play For Kenya

McCarthy further disclosed that he had held direct talks with Bristol City defender Zak Vyner, who is eligible to represent Kenya through heritage. 

The centre-back, who received his first call up in June 2024 but failed to gain the required documentation to declare for the country. However, asked for more time before committing to international duty.

“I spoke to Zak personally,” McCarthy said. “With the Championship and Premier League just starting, he felt it was a little too early, given the number of games packed into such a short space of time. 

“He’s also in the last year of his contract and fighting to earn a new one with his club. You have to respect that.

“I’ve been in that situation myself, so I understand it from a player’s perspective. For me, it’s important to have happy players come into the national team. When players are ready and excited, you get their best performances. Forcing them doesn’t help anyone.

“Zak made it clear that he wants to play for Kenya, and it’s only a matter of time. In fact, I believe we’ll see him in the near future, maybe even in the next set of games. That’s really exciting because it makes our team stronger when top-quality players from major leagues are willing to represent the national side.”

McCarthy concluded by stressing his commitment to expanding the Harambee Stars’ talent pool with players featuring in competitive leagues abroad.

“We’ve done our homework on the players we want, and things are looking very positive for the future,” he said. “The more quality we can add to the squad, the better our chances will be in these World Cup qualifiers and beyond.”