Harambee Stars Defender's Suspension Dealt Blow to Benni McCarthy Ahead of 2026 FIFA Series

Harambee Stars have been hit by a major setback as they prepare for the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA Series scheduled for March 23–31, 2026.

In what is being described as a major blow for Harambee Stars, dependable right-back Ronney Onyango is set to miss the upcoming international window following a suspension by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK).

The news comes at a critical time for head coach Benni McCarthy, who is looking to fine-tune his squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host.

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Recent reports indicate that Ronney Onyango has been provisionally suspended by ADAK due to a whereabouts failure.

Under international anti-doping regulations, athletes must provide accurate details of their locations for out-of-competition testing. A failure to update these details or missing multiple scheduled tests can lead to an automatic suspension.

Rooney Onyango, who has been a standout performer for both Gor Mahia and the national team, has recently been the subject of intense transfer speculation involving European and Tanzanian clubs. This off-field distraction may have contributed to the administrative lapse that now leaves the Harambee Stars’ defence vulnerable.

The suspension is particularly painful given the prestige of the upcoming FIFA Series. Designed by FIFA to allow nations from different confederations to compete in a structured friendly format, the 2026 edition will see Kenya travel to Kigali, Rwanda.

Coach Benni McCarthy has emphasised that these matches are vital for gauging the team's progress against European and Caribbean opposition.

"The FIFA Series gives our team a chance to compete against opponents from different continents in conditions that closely resemble what we will face at major tournaments," Benni McCarthy said.

“It is exactly the type of exposure our players need as we continue to grow and improve. These tournaments are not just about what happens during the 90 minutes. Competing against teams with different styles, strengths and football cultures challenges us to adapt and respond in ways we don’t see in domestic competition."

Losing Onyango, often deployed as an attacking wing-back, forces Benni McCarthy to rethink his defensive setup.

With Harambee Stars aiming to bounce back from a difficult run of results in late 2025, the technical bench may now look toward Daniel Sakari or Alphonce Omija to fill the void on the right flank.