FKF Boss Defends Move to Lure Foreign-Born Players to Harambee Stars Ahead of AFCON 2027

Joel Omotto 10:05 - 13 March 2026

FKF president Hussein Mohammed has explained the benefits of luring foreign-born players.

Football Kenya Federation president Hussein Mohammed has explained why it is important to integrate foreign-born players into the Kenyan team for AFCON 2027.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed has insisted that the current tour of a Kenyan delegation to Europe to lure foreign-born stars to Harambee Stars is the right thing to do.

FKF dispatched a team, led by Mohammed’s vice president McDonald Mariga, to Europe before they were joined by Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy to try and convince players of Kenyan descent to confirm their allegiance to the country.

This is aimed at creating a strong team tat will be able to compete favourably at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

Mohammed Defends FKF’s Charm Offensive

While critics feel it is not the right move and want FKF to give priority to local-based players, Mohammed says this is necessary to create a team that the nation will be proud of.

“Our journey towards AFCON 2027 continues with focus and purpose,” Mohammed said through a social media post.

“A delegation led by FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga together with members of the Harambee Stars technical bench headed by Coach Benni McCarthy is currently in Europe engaging eligible players as we strengthen our national team pool.

“These engagements are part of our wider commitment as Football Kenya Federation to build a strong, competitive squad capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with Africa’s and the world’s best.

Which Players Have Been Engaged So Far?

“With Kenya set to co-host AFCON 2027, we are working tirelessly behind the scenes to support our team and assemble a squad that will make the nation proud.”

So far, the Mariga-led team has engaged English-based players Zak Vyner who plays for Championship side Wrexham, Everton duo Tyler Onyango and Ray Roberts, as well as Zech Obiero of Tranmere Rovers.

US-born winger Andre Gitau, who plays for German side FSV Mainz 05 II, has also been approached.

Some of those players will receive Harambee Stars call-ups for the FIFA Series, a mini-tournament involving Kenya, Estonia and Grenada and Rwanda, set to be played in Kigali from March 23-31.