World Cup (Q): England-based Vincent Harper itching to debut for Kenya

England-based Kenya national team defender Vincent Harper has explained his readiness to debut for Harambee Stars during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Burundi and Ivory Coast.

The 25-year-old, who plays as a left-back for EFL League Two side Walsall, earned his second call for Harambee Stars by head coach Benni McCarthy ahead of the two Group F qualifiers. The player honoured the call and his currently with the squad in Burundi.

Harper discusses his readiness to play for Kenya

“I’m more direct and more dynamic, and I have a lot of energy, so I can get up and down the pitch a lot,” Vincent Harper told reporters on Monday as quoted by Pulse Sports.

“It was very disappointing, but it made me work harder to come back, and thankfully, the managers trusted me and called me back. I want to get an appearance for the team so I can finally say I’ve played for Kenya.”

On if he gets to start for Kenya, he said: “It will be massive, it will be a huge achievement to play in the national team, especially for my country. I’m looking forward to it. It’s not been long, but we have gelled together quickly, and we all get along, so I’m slowly learning some Swahili along the way.”

Both matches will be played away, marking the conclusion of the Harambee Stars’ qualification campaign. Kenya will first face Burundi on Friday, October 9th, at Prince Louis Rwagasore Stadium, before wrapping up their campaign against Ivory Coast on Tuesday, October 14th, at Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium.