Zak Vyner: Harambee Stars Defender Explains Why Benni McCarthy Can Count on Him for AFCON 2027

Zak Vyner has reassured Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy that there is no need to worry ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

He has officially pledged his loyalty to play for the Harambee Stars, joining the national squad as Kenya gears up to co-host the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

Despite recovering from a previous injury, Zak Vyner emphasised that he is now fully back in action and ready to make a significant contribution on the pitch for Wrexham as well as Harambee Stars.

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Speaking to Wrexham’s media, Zak Vyner discussed his experience playing in the midfield, revealing that he has spent considerable time in that role this season and has grown very comfortable in it.

The Harambee Stars defender explained that he is often asked about this position because of his experience performing it during his time at Bristol, and he feels confident managing those responsibilities.

Zak Vyner added that, although playing in midfield can sometimes be out of necessity, he genuinely enjoys the challenge and takes satisfaction simply from being on the pitch, a boost for coach Benni McCarthy ahead of AFCON 2027.

“Good. I've done it a lot this year. I feel like I've answered that question a lot in this season, because I've had to obviously do it back at Bristol as well (play in the midfield). It's something that I can do and something that I'm comfortable doing. As you say, it's a part of my necessity as well up here. But I'm relishing it because as long as I'm on the pitch, I'm happy,” Zak Vyner revealed.

Zak Vyner added that he is feeling strong and well-prepared despite an injury that he expects may linger a little, adding that he now feels ready to push himself more on the pitch and make a meaningful impact during matches.

He also reflected on the challenges of moving to Wrexham and the environment after spending a long time in Bristol, acknowledging that it took some time to adjust.

However, Zak Vyner noted that he has settled in well, praised his new teammates for their support, and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he has received.

“Yeah, I'm feeling good. I'm feeling good. Obviously, it's one of those injuries that's going to kind of run me on a little bit, but I feel really good. I feel like I'm in a place where I can push myself a bit more now and really get my pitch, and that felt good,” he added.

“Yeah, it's been good. It's been good. Obviously, it's just a big change, a new place, a new environment. So long at one place and then, you know, come away from that. It's going to be difficult to start, just to sort of get your bearings and stuff, but I've really sort of bedded in, and the lads are great, everyone here is great, and I've been welcomed in really well.”

Zak Vyner also praised Wrexham coach Phil Parkinson and the team, saying that joining the club has been a very positive experience for him.

He explained that coming into a team that was already performing well, especially while he was recovering from an injury, meant that there were not many immediate changes, but he was able to observe the competitive spirit and professionalism that had helped the club achieve consistent success.

Zak Vyner added that being in a new environment has allowed him to learn from experienced players, absorb knowledge about the league, and grow as a player, describing the experience as both satisfying and rewarding.

He further stated that while the team’s level of performance did not come as a surprise, he has been happily impressed by the talent, cohesion, and readiness of the squad, noting that once all players are fit and available, the team is fully prepared and highly competitive.

Zak Vyner further noted that the transition has been a beneficial change for him, giving him a chance to integrate into a talented and driven group while learning from both the coach and his teammates.

“Yeah, it's been good. It's been good. I think obviously coming into a team where, you know, if I've come in injured and the team's doing well, so naturally there's not going to be much change there. But I've definitely sort of seen a lot of the competitive spirit, I guess, that sort of has got the club to where it is and go back to back to back, and you can kind of see why that's happened, you know,” he shared.

“But no, yeah, it's just been, like I said, it's just a new environment for me to sort of be a sponge in and just kind of take what I can from everyone and all the players as well, obviously, that are so experienced at this league and above and all that sort of stuff. So it's been good for me.”

Meanwhile, Wrexham stunned Sheffield United 2-1 in the EFL Championship ahead of the international break, where he is set to join Harambee Stars camp ahead of the FIFA Series in Kigali, Rwanda, from March 23–31, 2026, facing Estonia and Grenada.