Harambee Stars Defender Wanted By Benni McCarthy Wins Award in England Following Fine September Form

English-born Kenyan defender Zak Vyner has been voted Bristol City Player of the Month for September by the club supporters following his impressive displays for the club amid their fine early season form.

The defender, who was initially drafted into the Harambee Stars squad by former coach Engin Firat in June 2024,  played every minute in the month and finished top of the votes against Rob Atkinson, Ross McCrorie and Anis Mehmeti.

Vyner was also voted Thatchers Pick of the Match after City’s 0-0 draw with Preston North End.

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Vyner, a product of Bristol City’s youth academy, has been at the heart of the Robins’ backline for several seasons.

 According to club and media reports, he has attracted interest from European clubs, including Belgian side Gent, and the club even turned down multiple bids from the likes of Birmingham City and Wrexham for his services.. 

Such speculation underscores how his consistency and leadership are now being noticed beyond Bristol.

In September, Benni McCarthy tipped the defender for a future recall to the set up, having initially been called up by former coach Engin Firat in June 2024, but lacked the necessary documentation to allow him debut for Stars.

“I spoke personally to Zac, and obviously, with the championship and Premier League just starting, he just felt that it was a little bit too early because of the accumulation of games already in such a short span of time,” Benni McCarthy told the media.

“He didn’t want to put himself in a situation where he would go back because he is in his last year of contract, and he is also fighting to get a new contract for his club.

“You have to respect that, and I’ve been in that kind of situation before, so, I try to understand from players and the national point of view.”

However, he assured fans that Zak Vyner has expressed the desire to play for Harambee Stars, and they should expect to see him soon.

“I’m always on the side of the players because I want happy players to come and play because once they step on that pitch, you will get good results,” Benni McCarthy added.

“We reached an agreement, and he wants to come and play for the national team, and we shall see him soon.”

His reliability and form boost both his club’s defensive stability and his international prospects. For Kenya, having a defender in top shape and consistent form helps McCarthy  build confidence in selecting him for the national team.

Vyner’s recognition in September is more signals that his dedication has paid off and that he is heading into a season where he may well be pivotal for both club and country. 

If he continues this trajectory, the name Zak Vyner may become even more familiar to Kenyan football fans.