Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy is increasingly banking on diaspora talent as he shapes a more competitive squad ahead of the Fifa international window friendlies and the long-term build-up to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
McCarthy has named a 24-man squad for June fixtures against Palestine and Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek, with five foreign-based players earning their first senior call-ups in a clear signal of his recruitment direction.
The matches, set for June 3 and June 6 at Dolen Omurzakov Stadium, are being used as key testing grounds as McCarthy accelerates his search for players capable of lifting Kenya to continental competitiveness ahead of AFCON 2027, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
A central theme of the squad is the strong presence of diaspora-born or diaspora-developed players, with McCarthy insisting they will be crucial in closing the gap with Africa’s elite.
The new call-ups include goalkeeper Caleb Kramer (ADO Den Haag), defenders Deon Woodman and Sydney Agina, winger Sammy Hena-Kamau, and forward Micah Obiero.
McCarthy defended his heavy reliance on overseas-based players, stressing that eligibility and performance — not geography — guide his selections.
“They have got a Kenyan mother or father so they are eligible and they are very much Kenyan like every single one of you,” he said, reinforcing his stance on inclusion and identity.
The South African tactician has consistently argued that Kenya must widen its talent pool beyond the domestic league if it is to compete at the highest level, particularly in major tournaments.
“If I’m smart, I will continue digging into the diaspora because Kenya has talented players all over the world and my responsibility is to bring in the best available players,” McCarthy said.
He also dismissed claims of bias in selection, insisting that every player earns their place purely on merit.
“I do not select players because they come from a particular tribe. I select players based on ability, talent and who is performing best at the time,” he added.
Beyond the new faces, McCarthy has also recalled several players to strengthen squad depth, including Stanley Wilson, who earns a senior promotion after impressing in Sweden with AIK. Zech Obiero and
Lawrence Okoth also return following strong showings at the recent FIFA Series tournament in Kigali.
The squad blends youth, experience and overseas-based talent, with established names such as Richard Odada, Erick Ouma, Austine Odhiambo and Ryan Ogam retained to provide balance.
McCarthy believes the June friendlies will be critical in assessing how quickly the diaspora group can integrate into the national team setup and adapt to his tactical demands.
“These matches are about building chemistry, understanding our identity and giving players a chance to prove they deserve to wear the national team shirt,” he said.
While the immediate focus is on Palestine and Kyrgyzstan, McCarthy views the fixtures as part of a wider rebuilding process aimed at assembling a competitive squad for AFCON 2027.
He has also urged locally based players to raise their standards, warning that international competition will increasingly demand higher levels of consistency and quality.
Kenya will begin residential camp before travelling for the Central Asia double-header, with McCarthy hoping the blend of diaspora and local talent will provide early signs of a stronger, more balanced Harambee Stars side for the future.
by TONY MBALLA
