Boost For Benni McCarthy as Harambee Stars Prospect Edges Closer to Securing Future at Bristol City

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has received a major boost after Bristol City confirmed that Kenyan prospect Zak Vyner is in advanced talks over a new contract with the English Championship club.

Technical director Brian Tinnion revealed during a fans’ forum at Ashton Gate on Wednesday that the club is working to secure the futures of several key players, including Vyner and winger Anis Mehmeti.

“Rob [Dickie] has signed a new deal until 2028, and we’ve offered Zak Vyner and Anis Mehmeti new contracts,” Tinnion said to BBC.

 “It’s really important that if we can’t invest, we keep the squad together. We’ve been speaking to a few others with two years left because it’s a really good group of players. If we can’t buy, we must keep what we’ve got and then reinvest later.”

Vyner, 28, has been one of the Robins’ most consistent performers, closing in on 250 appearances since his 2020 loan spell at Aberdeen.

 The defender’s composure and leadership have made him a cornerstone in Gerhard Struber’s plans as Bristol City look to push for promotion this season.

The development comes as a relief for McCarthy, who has been keen to integrate Vyner into his Harambee Stars project. The former Manchester United striker disclosed that he had held direct talks with the player regarding his availability for upcoming international fixtures.

“I spoke personally to Zak, and with the Championship and Premier League just starting, he felt it was a little bit too early because of the number of games in such a short period,” McCarthy told reporters last September as reported by Pulse Sports.

“He didn’t want to put himself in a situation where he’d go back injured or distracted because he’s in the final year of his contract and fighting for a new deal at his club. You have to respect that — I’ve been there myself as a player, so I understand it from both sides.”

McCarthy, however, confirmed that Vyner remains committed to representing Kenya in the near future. “We reached an agreement. He wants to come and play for the national team, and we shall see him soon,” he added.

Vyner earned his first Harambee Stars call-up in June 2024 under then-coach Engin Firat but did not make his debut due to documentation issues. 

The defender, who qualifies to play for Kenya through his heritage, has since expressed his desire to represent the national team once all paperwork is completed.

With his Bristol City future now nearing resolution, McCarthy will hope Vyner’s club stability paves the way for his long-awaited Harambee Stars debut.