Adam Ayiro: What you need to know about Harambee Stars’ new boy

After Engin Firat named his Harambee Stars provisional squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Adam Ayiro was one of the new faces in the set-up.

Firat revealed a provisional squad set to take on Burundi and Ivory Coast in June, this year, and Ayior’s inclusion was one of the newest developments in the team.

Who is Ayiro?

The 2000-born star is an English professional footballer who plays for Bradford City as a winger. Although Ayiro played for England at U18 level, making his debut in March 2018 and making four appearances in total, he is eligible to play for Harambee Stars because he has a Kenyan parent.

He was born in Ashington and began his career at Newcastle United, signing a new contract with the club in July 2020. The winger moved to Welsh club The New Saints in September 2022 and scored seven goals in 23 appearances in all competitions for the club, winning the league title and Welsh Cup double, and was named the Supporters’ Player of the Year.

Ayiro, 24, was the Welsh club’s player of the season after helping them to a league and cup double. He previously spent four years at Newcastle, featuring regularly in their reserves as well as in the EFL Trophy.

“This is a big club that should be a lot higher up in the leagues, with a great manager and fanbase, so it was difficult to say no. I love playing in front of big crowds. I did it a few times at Newcastle, and it really gets your adrenaline going,” Ayiro said in a previous interview.

Ayiro signed for Bradford City in August 2023 for a three-year contract. He made his debut in the EFL Cup, and he scored his first goal for the club on October 21, 2023, a late equalizer at home to Wrexham in a league encounter.

“I love playing in front of big crowds. I did it a few times at Newcastle, and it really gets your adrenaline going. Some players sink under it, but it gives me more of a boost.

“I am a quick, direct, skilled winger who likes to score and assist goals. I am ready to get out there in front of people and showcase what I can do. I feel physically good, and am ready to go,” he said when he became Batman.

He can also play as a left back, although he is naturally a winger or forward.

Harambee Stars provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Patrick Matasi (Kenya Police), Byrne Odhiambo (Bandari), Boniphas Munyasa (Muranga Seal), Ian Otieno (Zesco, Zambia)

Defenders: Johnstone Omurwa (Estrela, Portugal), Alphonse Omija (Dhofar-Oman), Amos Nondi (Ararat, Armenia), Brian Okoth (Kenya Police), Abud Omar (Kenya Police), Tobias Knost (SV Verl, Germany)

Midfielders: John Ochieng (Zanaco, Zambia), Eric Johanna (UTA, Romania), Adam Wilson (Bradford City, England), Anthony Akumu (Unattached), Kenneth Muguna (Kenya Police), Kaycie Odhiambo (AFC Leopards), Chrispine Erambo (Tusker), Rooney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Ayub Timbe (Sabail, Azeberijan), Duke Abuya (IHEFU, Tanzania), Bruce Kamau (Perth Glory, Australia)

Forwards: John Avire (El Sekka El Hadid SC, Egypt), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Benson Omala (Gor Mahia), Elvis Rupia (IHEFU, Tanzania).

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