Vincent Harper on How Benni McCarthy's Style Differs From Engin Firat's Following Harambee Stars Recall

Harambee Stars defender Vincent Harper has explained how different Benni McCarthy’s philosophy is from Engin Firat after earning a recall to the side for the first time in two years under the South African tactician.

Harper, who has played an integral part for Walsall since signing from Exeter, was first drafted into the squad in October 2023, but never got to make his debut during the side’s clash with Russia in Turkey, which resulted in a 2-2 draw.

McCarthy has called him up for the first time under his tenure, with the side set to miss the services of Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma for a considerable amount of time after he picked up an unfortunate achilles injury while training at his club Rakow Czechstowa in Poland.

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“It would be a big achievement to play internationally and especially for your country. I am really looking forward to it,” Harper said.

“It is a lot different from how it was the last time I was here. We are passing it more patiently rather than going direct and I think it suits the kind of players that we have here today.”

Since taking over as Harambee Stars head coach in mid-2025, McCarthy — a former South Africa international and UEFA Champions League winner with FC Porto — has sought to instill a modern, possession-based approach in Kenya’s playstyle.

Unlike Firat’s pragmatic, counter-attacking setups, McCarthy’s philosophy encourages building from the back, maintaining control in midfield, and using pace on the wings more efficiently. The shift has been welcomed by many players, particularly those plying their trade abroad, as it mirrors systems they are accustomed to in Europe.

McCarthy’s squad blends a mix of homegrown and foreign-based talent, signaling a renewed push toward Kenya’s long-term goal — preparing for AFCON 2027, which the country will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

For Harper, this recall represents more than just a return — it’s an opportunity to finally make his debut and play a role in shaping the new Harambee Stars era.

Should he make his debut in the upcoming fixtures, Harper would become one of a growing number of Europe-based Kenyan players reintegrating into the national team setup — a trend that could be key to raising Kenya’s competitive edge on the continental stage.