Nairobi Kenya: Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has officially announced that Bristol City defender Zachary George Onyego Vyner, known as Zak Vyner, is expected to join the national team in the near future.
However, Vyner has requested to sit out the upcoming international fixtures citing the early stage of the football season in England as his reason, acknowledging the physical demands placed on players during this period.
“I had a personal conversation with Zak, and given that the Championship and Premier League seasons are just beginning, he felt it was a bit too early to commit to additional matches due to the accumulating number of games already on his schedule,” McCarthy elaborated.
The coach added that the 28-year-old defender is currently focused on negotiating a new contract with Bristol City, as he is entering the final year of his existing deal. “He is striving to secure a contract renewal, and it’s important to respect his situation,” McCarthy emphasized.
Reflecting on his own experiences, McCarthy said, “I have faced similar situations in my career, and I always aim to balance the players’ interests with the national team’s requirements. Ultimately, I prioritize the players’ well-being.”
Vyner, who was born to a Kenyan mother, received his first call-up to the Harambee Stars in May 2024.
Unfortunately, he missed the opportunity to make his international debut because his new passport was not processed in time, leaving him eager for future chances to represent his country.