England-based left-back Vincent Harper has earned his maiden call-up to the Harambee Stars squad that will face the 2018 Fifa World Cup host Russia on October 16 in Antalya, Turkey in an international friendly match.
The 23-year-old plies his trade for Exeter City in league one, a third tier of the English football league system.
The club officially announced Harper’s call-up via their X, previously Twitter, handle congratulations to him for his first-ever call-up.
“Congratulations to Vincent Harper who was today selected to represent Harambee stars for the first time. Vinnie is in the squad for their international friendly against Russia on October 16,” the club statement read.
The test match against Russia is part of the Engin Firat-coached side's preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifier matches that are set to begin on November 13.
Kenya is placed in Group ‘F’ alongside 2015 Afcon (Africa Cup of Nations) champions Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, The Gambia, Burundi and Seychelles.
Kenya's quest for a maiden World Cup appearance will begin with the Gabon clash away at the Stade de Franceville.
The pacey left back was born in Nairobi but soon after moved to England where he began his journey as a professional footballer.
He started out his career at the Bristol City academy after which he joined Gloucester, Weston-super-Mare AFC, and Bath City on loan.
He would later move to sixth-tier side Chippenham in 2021 for a short stint before joining Eastleigh FC in the fifth tier.
Exeter City saw his potential and signed him in July after which he has been an integral part of the squad starting in all but three games. The left-back had 71 appearances for Eastleigh FC, netting six times.
Harper had also earlier this year earned an England call-up for the England C match against Wales in March where he played a full 90 minutes in their 1-0 victory.
