Harambee Stars: New Recruits Clarke Oduor, Zak Vyner Named as Benni McCarthy Unveils Squad For 2026 FIFA Series

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has signalled a bold new era by integrating a trio of high-profile talents who have recently pledged their loyalty to the national team for their trip to Kigali for the 2026 FIFA Series between March 23 and 31.

Leading the charge is Clarke Oduor of Grimsby Town, making a long-awaited return to the fold. His versatility and European experience provide a significant boost to the attacking line.

Joining him are two potential debutants, Wrexham’s defensive stalwart Zak Vyner and Tranmere Rovers’ attacking midfielder Zech Obiero.

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These inclusions represent a successful recruitment drive by the technical bench to bolster the squad with diaspora talent ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

In addition to the trio, Benni McCarthy has also called up new Gor Mahia signing Frank Odhiambo. Sylvester Owino and Alpha Onyango have also received call-ups, thanks to their impressive performances at the 2024 African Nations Championship.

The inclusion of players from diverse leagues, ranging from Ligue 1’s Manzur Suleiman to La Liga’s Job Ochieng, also highlights Benni McCarthy’s intent to build a tactically flexible unit capable of competing on the global stage.

The tournament in Rwanda serves as a critical laboratory for chemistry. Kenya faces a unique test in their opening match against Estonia, followed by potential clashes with either Grenada or hosts Rwanda.

As co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON, the pressure is on Harambee Stars to make a mark in the continental showpiece. The team will report to the residential camp on March 22, with the technical bench viewing these three matches as the foundation for their long-term project.

Kenya vs. Estonia: March 27 | 6:00 PM | Amahoro Stadium

Final/Third-Place Playoff: March 30 | (Time TBD) | Amahoro Stadium

Goalkeepers: Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire, Ian Otieno

Defenders: Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Zak Vyner (Wrexham), Rooney Onyango (Sogndal), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police)

Midfielders: Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Richard Odada (FC Uta Arad), Chris Erambo (Tusker FC), Manzur Suleiman (Stade De Reims)

Attackers: Austine Odhiambo (Nejmeh), William Lenkupae (Unattached), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Mohammed Bajaber (Simba FC), Zech Obiero (Tranmere Rovers), Clarke Oduor (Grimsby Town), Michael Olunga (Al Arabi), Ryan Ogam (Wolfsberger), Lawrence Okoth (SJK Seinajoki)