--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-06-09T17:23:48.995Z data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/stoke-city/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3Rva2VzZW50aW5lbC5jby51ay9zcG9ydC9mb290YmFsbC9mb290YmFsbC1uZXdzL3N0b2tlLWNpdHkta2VueWEtc3lkLWFnaW5hLTEwOTc1NDYy --- # Stoke City prospect receives senior international call-up - **Source:** - **Club:** Stoke City - **Original URL:** https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-kenya-syd-agina-10975462 The 18-year-old right-back, who has been on Stoke’s books for a decade, has been picked by Benni McCarthy to join the Kenya squad. He could make his debut in the forthcoming friendlies against Palestine and Kyrgyzstan next month. It continues a big year for the defender, who has been making his first team breakthrough at the bet365 Stadium. He was with the first team for pre-season and might have made his debut sooner but for a niggling injury. He ultimately got his chance in the spring, appearing as a substitute against Ipswich Town before getting starts against Derby, Millwall and Portsmouth. FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest Stoke City news, analysis and more via the Sentinel He is one of four Kenya call-ups from the EFL, alongside Grimsby Town midfielder Clarke Odour, Leyton Orient forward Zech Obiero and Hull City winger Sammy Hena-Kamau. The Nairobi press said: “When Benni McCarthy named Sydney 'Syd' Agina in Kenya’s squad for the June international friendlies, many Harambee Stars supporters were introduced to a new name carrying enormous promise. “Born in the United Kingdom to Kenyan parents, the composed and versatile defender has chosen to represent Kenya internationally, giving Harambee Stars another exciting young talent as the team continues its long-term rebuild under McCarthy ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). “For Harambee Stars, Agina’s arrival offers healthy competition and depth at right back, an area where Ronney Onyango has been the preferred option in recent years. However, Onyango has struggled for regular playing time at his Norwegian club, opening the door for Agina to challenge for a bigger role in the national team set-up.” It is an important summer for Agina as he tries to convince the Stoke hierarchy that he can be cover and competition for Junior Tchamadeu, who has signed a new two-year contract as first choice right-back – but was sorely missed when he picked up an injury on international duty with Cameron at the Africa Cup of Nations in January. Tchamadeu was recovering from injury during the off-season this time last year and is grateful he will get a chance to catch his breath this time around before coming back to step up preparations for 2026/27. He said: “I want to get my body right this summer. Of course I need to rest and recover, but it’s about getting my body in the best position for pre-season. “I want to build and show everyone what I am capable of. I think I have done that a little bit, but I know I have a lot more to give.” Viktor Johansson and Bae Junho have been included in the World Cup squads for Sweden and South Korea, respectively. Sorba Thomas is expected to be summoned for the upcoming Wales friendlies. Bosun Lawal has been left out of the Republic of Ireland squad as he recovers from a hamstring injury which ended his season early. What do you think? Click HERE to join the debate We have launched a new WhatsApp group to deliver the latest Stoke news directly to your phone. Click the link select 'Join Chat' and you're in. If for some reason you decide you no longer want to be in our community, you can leave at any time by clicking on the name at the top of your screen and clicking 'Exit Group', simple as that. Every day, the StokeonTrentLive football desk strive to deliver news, features and transfer-related stories as a part of our overall package of Stoke City content. Our dedicated reporter Pete Smith - who you can follow on X - follows Stoke home and away and offers you comprehensive coverage from matchdays, press conferences and everything that happens in between. If you prefer reading our Stoke stories on your phone, consider downloading the Stoke-on-TrentLive app, in which you can personalise the content you see by selecting Stoke City as one of your designated topics. You can get it from Apple