McCarthy's new diaspora recruits face tough debut in Rwanda

Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy is set for a front-row preview of AFCON 2027, as his freshly forged squad faces the heat at the Fifa Series 2026 in Rwanda.

The mini-tournament, scheduled at Amahoro Stadium, offers the Kenya coach a crucial platform to assess new players alongside experienced internationals as preparations begin for the continental showpiece that Kenya will co-host.

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“This tournament gives us an opportunity to look at different players and different combinations,” McCarthy said. “It’s one thing to train together, it’s another to see how they handle pressure, adapt to our style, and link with teammates on the pitch.”

The squad reflects a deliberate effort by Football Kenya Federation to strengthen the national team by combining established local players with diaspora-based talent.

Among the notable call-ups are potential debutants Zak Vyner of Wrexham AFC and Zech Obiero of Tranmere Rovers.

They join seasoned internationals including captain Michael Olunga, midfielder Richard Odada, and creative midfielder Duke Abuya.

“For many of our new squad members, this is the first real test,” McCarthy said. “Every player has to show they are ready to wear the Harambee Stars shirt with pride. We want to see who can step up when it matters most.”

Kenya’s campaign in Kigali begins on March 27 against the Estonian national football team before facing either the Rwandan national football team or the Grenadian national football team three days later.

Although officially friendlies, McCarthy views the tournament as an important testing ground ahead of AFCON 2027.

“Every game we play now is preparation for AFCON 2027,” he said. “We want players to understand that wearing the Harambee Stars shirt comes with responsibility and high expectations.”

One of the defining aspects of the current rebuilding process is the recruitment of diaspora talent, spearheaded by McDonald Mariga, the vice president of Football Kenya Federation.

Together with McCarthy, the federation has been scouting players of Kenyan descent across Europe in a bid to deepen the national team’s technical pool.

“Kenya has talent all over the world,” McCarthy said. “Our job is to identify those players, speak with them, and make them believe in the vision we have for the national team.”

He stressed that foreign-based recruits are meant to complement — not replace — local players.

“It’s about creating healthy competition in every position. When players know there is strong competition, it raises the level of the entire team,” he added.

Kenya arrives in Kigali with renewed belief after an encouraging run to the quarter-finals of the 2024 African Nations Championship, although subsequent setbacks, including a heavy defeat to the Senegal national football team, highlighted the work still required.

“We have shown glimpses of what this team can become,” McCarthy said. “But we must remain humble and continue working hard because the level in African football is extremely high.”

With Kenya set to co-host AFCON 2027 alongside regional neighbours, the Harambee Stars coach believes the rebuilding process must begin now.

“We cannot wait until 2027 to start building the team,” he said. “The work has to begin today so that when the tournament arrives, we have a squad that understands each other and can perform under pressure.”

For McCarthy, the FIFA Series represents more than just two matches — it is a laboratory where combinations will be tested, fresh talent evaluated and the foundations for Kenya’s AFCON dream laid.

“The future is bright, but it starts with these tests,” he said. “Now is the time to integrate, adapt and show that Kenya can field a team ready to challenge at the highest level.”

Harambee Stars Squad – FIFA Series 2026

Goalkeepers: Byrne Omondi, Brian Bwire, Ian Otieno, Defenders: Frank Odhiambo (Gor Mahia FC), Aboud Omar (Kenya Police FC), Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia FC), Zak Vyner (Wrexham AFC), Rooney Onyango (Sogndal Fotball), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC), Midfielders: Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia FC), Duke Abuya (Young Africans SC), Richard Odada (FC UTA Arad), Chris Erambo (Tusker FC), Manzur Suleiman (Stade de Reims), Forwards: Austine Odhiambo (Nejmeh SC), William Lenkupae (Unattached), Job Ochieng (Real Sociedad), Mohammed Bajaber (Simba SC), Zech Obiero (Tranmere Rovers), Clarke Oduor (Grimsby Town), Michael Olunga (Al-Arabi SC), Ryan Ogam (Wolfsberger AC), Lawrence Okoth (SJK Seinäjoki).