Talented English-based player receives maiden Harambee Stars call-up

By Tony Kipkorir

Exeter City FC left back Vincent Harper is in line to receive his first call-up to the Kenya national football team.

Although Engin Firat is yet to announce his squad, Harper is expected to be part of the Harambee Stars party that will play Russia in an international friendly scheduled for Monday, September 16 in Turkey.

Exeter City broke the news on their social media platform, congratulating Harper for the incredible milestone.

“Congratulations to Vincent Harper, who was today selected to represent Kenya for the first time!

“Vinnie is in the squad for their international friendly against Russia on October 16!” a Facebook post from the club read. 

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The skillful player who celebrated his 23rd birthday two weeks ago was born to Kenyan parents.

Harper started his senior career at Bristol City where he was sent on three consecutive loans to Gloucester City, Weston-Super-Mare and Bath City between 2019 and 2020.

In 2021, he joined Chippenham Town where he made three appearances before signing a contract with Eastleigh.

Harper build his name at the latter, producing eye-catching performances. One such display came in a FA Cup clash against Folkestone where he won a penalty to help is club secure a 3-3 draw and advance to the first round.  

Harper, who holds a dual-citizenship and is eligible to play for England’s Three Lions was born in Nairobi and moved to Britain at a younger age

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His brother Ashley was also a promising football but things did not go well for him. Ashley and Vincent played together at Bristol City academy but the former latter dropped into non-league and does not play professional football today.

At Harambee Stars, Harper is expected to fight for the starting position with the likes of experienced player Eric “Marcelo” Ouma, who currently plays for Allsvenskan Club AIK.

Harambee Stars will use the Russia friendly match to prepare for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The team is expected to start its campaign against Gabon in the second week of November.

Other nations in the Harambee Stars group include West African powerhouse Ivory Coast, Gambia, Burundi and minnows Seychelles.

In their recent friendlies, Harambee Stars beat Qatar 2-1 before succumbing to a narrow 1-0 defeat to neighbours South Sudan at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.