Harambee Stars: Michael Olunga and Zak Vyner Among Big Names Out of FIFA Series

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has had to alter his plans for the upcoming FIFA Series following the unavailability of some key players.

Kenya will take on Grenada, Estonia and Rwanda later this weekend and next week in the mini-tournament in Kigali but some of the players initially selected will not be available.

Leading the list of players who have pulled out is captain Michael Olunga, who has been confirmed to be injured, although there were fears that he would not be available anyway as there are no flights in and out of Qatar due to the ongoing war involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

Also set to miss out is English-born defender Zak Vyner, who was in line to make his debut. Vyner was, however, missing from the Harambee Stars training on Monday with McCarthy hinting that it could take some time before he plays for Kenya.

“We had conversations, and obviously, I think for a player like Zak, his last experience was not the best when he came here,” McCarthy told the media, referring to Vyner’s call-up in 2024, which saw him miss out on the action due to passport complications.

“When a player is traumatised, there’s no easy way into it, but he is optimistic. He wants to play for the national team and is getting all the paperwork in order so that he can get his Kenyan passport. That’s when we will see him back.”

Meanwhile, Denmark-based defender Daniel Anyembe will also miss out after requesting to be away to help his club Viborg as they fight to seal European football qualification for next season.

"Obviously, we want a player to give himself the best chance for his club to finish in European places,” McCarthy said. “So that was my conversation with Daniel Anyembe, and that’s why you don’t see him here, but he was in the initial squad that I wanted.”

Meanwhile, other players not available due to injury include; goalkeeper Bryne Omondi, defenders Erick Ouma, Joseph Okumu, Sylvester Owino, Collins Sichenje as well as England-born Tyler Onyango, Andre Gitau, Adam Wilson and striker Jonah Ayunga.

Goalkeepers: Faruk Shikhalo, Brian Bwire, Ian Otieno

Defenders: Manzur Okwaro, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Mike Kibwage, Frank Odhiambo, Rooney Onyango, Daniel Sakari

Midfielders: Alpha Onyango, Duke Abuya, Richard Odada, Chrispine Erambo, Austine Odhiambo, Will Lenkupae, Mohammed Bajaber

Forwards: Job Ochieng, Zech Obiero, Clarke Oduor, Ryan Ogam, Lawrence Okoth, Ben Stanley