Harambee Stars Boss Benni McCarthy Leads Bid to Recruit 9 Foreign-Based Players For AFCON 2027

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy is ramping up preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by actively recruiting players of Kenyan heritage from Europe and the United States.

This initiative is a key part of Benni McCarthy's strategy to build a formidable squad as Kenya prepares to co-host the prestigious tournament.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has dispatched a high-level delegation to Europe to open discussions with eligible players. The team includes FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga, NEC member Yusuf Abdallah, and national team manager Nick Kimanthi. Their mission is to engage talent with Kenyan roots who could represent the Harambee Stars.

According to Mozzart Sport, Andre Kenete Gitau, a US-born forward currently playing for 1. FSV Mainz 05 II in Germany is among the primary targets. Gitau has previously represented the United States at youth levels. While initial talks are reported to be positive, it is not yet confirmed if he has committed to switching his international allegiance to Kenya.

The delegation is also set to meet with defender Zak Vyner of Wrexham A.F.C. Vyner was previously called up to the Harambee Stars camp in 2024 but was unable to play due to passport issues. Benni McCarthy has made it clear that the defender remains a key part of his plans.

"I spoke personally to Zak Vyner," McCarthy stated regarding the earlier call-up. "With the Championship and the Premier League just starting, he felt it was a bit premature... He did not want to jeopardize his situation, especially since he is in the final year of his contract... I respect that decision as I have been in a similar position myself."

Another player on Benni McCarthy's radar is midfielder Tyler Onyango, who is currently on loan at Stockport County from Everton. "Tyler Onyango is a player we contacted," McCarthy confirmed. "We reached out to Everton to gather information and ascertain whether the player would be willing to play for Kenya. Unfortunately, I was not able to speak to him personally, but the team manager spoke to his parents and they showed genuine desire for him to represent Kenya."

The recruitment net has been cast wide, with several other promising players being monitored:

Eliot Matazo: The Hull City midfielder, eligible through his mother, is returning from a long-term injury.

Linton Maina: The 1. FC Köln winger, who had previously declined a call-up, is now reportedly open to representing Kenya.

The list also includes Ray Roberts (Everton), Zech Obiero (Tranmere Rovers), Silko Amari Otieno Thomas (Leicester City), and Sammy Henia Kamau (Hull City U21).

This extensive recruitment drive underscores Kenya's ambition to field a highly competitive team for the 2027 AFCON, which will be co-hosted with Uganda and Tanzania. By tapping into the global diaspora, Benni McCarthy aims to significantly strengthen the national team and make a strong impression on home soil.