Harambee Stars Coach Benni McCarthy Explains Why Zak Vyner, Daniel Anyembe Are Key to AFCON 2027 Plans

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has shed light on why Zak Vyner and Daniel Anyembe remain key figures in his long-term plans, particularly as Kenya builds toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The two players were initially included in the squad for the upcoming FIFA Series, where Kenya is set to compete in Group A alongside Estonia, Grenada, and hosts Rwanda. The mini-tournament will take place in Kigali from March 23 to 31, 2026.

Despite their call-ups, Zak Vyner and Daniel Anyembe will not be available for the matches, dealing a temporary setback to Benni McCarthy’s preparations.

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However, the South African tactician has emphasised that their absence does not diminish their importance to the national team project.

Benni McCarthy has made it clear that he will continue to pursue and integrate the duo into his plans, underlining his commitment to assembling the strongest possible squad.

Benni McCarthy explained that he and his technical bench had closely monitored Zak Vyner in one of his recent matches against Hull City, noting that although the result did not go in his team’s favour, it provided an opportunity to engage him in meaningful discussions about his future.

The Harambee Stars coach indicated that the defender’s previous stint with the national team had not gone as smoothly as expected, which had affected his mindset. He suggested that situations like these require patience and careful handling, adding that the player needed time and reassurance to rebuild confidence and feel comfortable about returning to the international stage.

The coach further revealed that Zak Vyner remains open and positive about representing Kenya, stressing that the player has shown a genuine desire to be part of the squad moving forward.

“He's optimistic, he wants to play for the national team, and obviously, he wants to get all the paperwork out of the way so that he gets his Kenyan passport, and then he's eligible to play, and that's when we will see him back,” Benni McCarthy said.

Benni McCarthy expressed his enthusiasm about the prospect of integrating Zak Vyner into the national team setup, highlighting that the defender’s experience in the English Championship would bring significant value to the squad.

He explained that adding players of Zak Vyner’s profile would not only strengthen the team but also complement the existing group, particularly those currently playing in the local leagues.

Benni McCarthy noted that such experienced individuals can positively influence the squad by sharing knowledge, raising standards, and helping teammates adapt to higher levels of competition.

The coach went on to point out that Daniel Anyembe is in a similar position, suggesting that both players could have a meaningful impact if fully integrated into the team.

He emphasised that their exposure to different football environments and levels of play would provide valuable learning opportunities for the rest of the squad, ultimately contributing to the team’s overall growth and competitiveness.

“So yeah, so it's very exciting for us to have a player like Zak Vyner coming with championship experience. So yeah, and just add to the squad that we already have and a lot of the players that play in the local leagues. You can learn a lot from players; having players like Zak Vyner and Daniel Ayembe comes in the same situation,” he added.

Benni McCarthy further explained that Daniel Anyembe had personally reached out to request to be left out of the current camp, citing his club’s push for a European qualification spot as the main reason.

Benni McCarthy noted that he respected the player’s situation, acknowledging that it was important for him to focus on helping his club achieve its seasonal objectives.

He clarified that the defender had initially been part of the provisional squad and remained firmly in his plans, but the decision to excuse him was made in good faith, considering the circumstances.

According to Benni McCarthy, maintaining a positive relationship with players and understanding their professional commitments is crucial in building trust and long-term commitment to the national team.

“His team is in a fight for European places, so he's spoken to me personally and asked me if I could excuse him for this camp, and obviously so. You want the player to give himself the best chance for his club to finish in European places,” he added.

“So that was my conversation with Daniel Ayembe. And that's why you don't see him here. But he was in the initial squad that I wanted. So, yeah. So, listen. We have a lot to look forward to. A lot of players that we went to see are very eager. And I think for me that's the most important. Not there, we go begging for players to come and play. Like, they have free will.”

With Kenya set to co-host the 2027 AFCON alongside Uganda and Tanzania, the stakes are higher than ever.