Why Harambee Stars defender missed Bristol City's opening pre-season friendlies

Why Harambee Stars defender missed Bristol City's opening pre-season friendlies

Mark Kinyanjui 17:51 - 25.07.2024

The 26-year-old London-born defender received his first call up to the Harambee Stars set-up last June.

Harambee Stars defender Zak Vyner Onyego is expected to be fit in the fothcoming days for Bristol after missing out on their first two pre-season friendly matches against Newport County and Aldershot Town on Tuesday.

Vyner, who received his first international call-up from Kenya head coach Engin Firat in June, did not feature in the club's recent matches, raising questions about his absence. 

However, Bristol City assistant head coach Chris Hogg reassured fans, stating, "Zak's training back at the training ground so hopefully he'll be back with the group in the next couple of days," as quoted by Bristol City Live.

In their first pre-season outings, Bristol City fielded two separate squads, both securing 2-0 victories. Nahki Wells and new signing Sinclair Armstrong scored second-half goals against Newport at the HPC, while Sam Bell and Cam Pring found the net against National League side Aldershot in the evening match.

Despite these successes, Vyner's absence was notable, especially given his status as a regular first-team player from last season. Hogg's comments have alleviated concerns, indicating that Vyner's return to the squad is imminent.

Born in Peckham, London, and raised in Bath, Vyner's passion for football was sparked by his family's athletic background and his older brother's influence. With a Kenyan mother and an English father, Vyner's diverse heritage has deeply influenced his love for the sport.

Vyner began his football journey with Bath Arsenal before joining Bristol City's academy at ten, initially playing as a winger.

 His shift to central defense proved crucial, leading to his professional debut at 19 in a match where Bristol City defeated MK Dons in the Sky Bet Championship. Loan spells at Accrington Stanley, Rotherham United, and Aberdeen provided him with valuable experience across various leagues.

The 2020/21 season was a breakthrough for Vyner at Bristol City, where he became a defensive stalwart, making 49 appearances across all competitions and scoring his first goals for the club. His consistent performances have earned him regular appearances and accolades such as the Thatcher’s Cider Pick of the Match.

Onyego could potentially make his debut for Kenya in September when the national team begins their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign.

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