Everton midfielder Tyler Onyango has revealed his strong desire to represent Harambee Stars, expressing his admiration for current head coach Benni McCarthy and his eagerness to contribute to Kenyan football.
The 22-year-old, born in Luton to a Kenyan father and English mother, holds dual citizenship which makes him eligible for both England and Kenya. Despite progressing through the English football system, Onyango has made it clear that his heart is leaning towards playing for the Harambee Stars.
Currently on loan at League One side Stockport County from Everton, Onyango has continued to follow developments in Kenyan football closely. He believes that pulling on the Kenyan national team jersey would be a proud moment for him and an opportunity to make a name for himself on the international stage.
“I love African football. There are so many great African players in the Premier League, and I want to be one of them — playing for Kenya, making a name, and making the fans proud,” he said. “Kenyans are amazing supporters of their national teams, and I would love to be part of that journey and give them joy through football.”
A major factor influencing his decision is the opportunity to work under South African tactician Benni McCarthy. Onyango has spoken highly of McCarthy’s career as both a player and a coach. The former striker enjoyed a decorated playing career with European giants such as Ajax, FC Porto, Celta Vigo, and Blackburn Rovers before transitioning into management.
McCarthy also spent time at Manchester United as an attacking coach, further solidifying his reputation as a top-level football mind. For Onyango, the chance to learn from a coach of such calibre is a huge motivation to commit to Kenya.
“Benni is a coach I admire. His experience is top-level, and it would be a dream to play under someone like him,” Onyango said.
Onyango has been part of Everton since his youth days, working his way up through the academy before making his senior debut in 2020. He has featured five times for the Toffees’ first team but has spent recent seasons on loan at Burton Albion, Forest Green, and now Stockport County to gain regular playing time.
For Onyango, the next big step is clear: to don the Harambee Stars jersey and help Kenya rise on the international football stage.
