Harambee Stars defender joins Sichenje among Championship debutants
By Luke Oluoch, February 23, 2026Saturday, February 21, 2026, will go down memory lane for the Kenyan pair Collins Sichenje and Zak Vyner, who made their respective league debuts for their Championship clubs.
Besides Sichenje’s famed debut during Charlton’s 1-1 draw with Southampton, former Bristol City defender Vyner also got his stint with Wrexham off the mark.
From Bristol to Wrexham
The newly signed ace was introduced in the 85th minute as the home team edged Ipswich Town 5-3 in the EFL Championship.
The budding centre-back was snapped up by the promotion-chasing Championship team on Sunday, February 1, 2026, ending a 20-year association with Bristol City.
His switch to the Red Dragons followed after a sterling career with the Championship rivals, where he joined the club’s academy aged ten in 2006. He went on to make 264 appearances for the Robins and was an ever-present in defense last season, as City secured a spot in the EFL Championship play-offs for the first time since 2008.
In October 2025, Vyner made his 219th Championship appearance for City, setting a new club record surpassing the total reached by Marvin Elliott, before agreeing to a deal to join Wrexham.
Vyner agreed to a deal keeping him at the club until the end of the 2028/29 season, with an option for an additional year.
Speaking after his signing, coach Phil Parkinson lauded the addition to the defender to the group.
“We are delighted to welcome Zak Vyner to the club. He is an experienced championship player, and we are looking forward to working with him,” he stated.
At Wrexham, the Harambee Stars defender is set to add depth to the club’s quest for a maiden promotion to the English Premier League (EPL). He will be tasked with filling the void left by former EPL and Wolves defender Conor Coady, who departed the club for Charlton Athletic.