Rising star Zech Obiero has expressed his immense pride and gratitude after joining the Harambee Stars senior national team camp for the first time.
The Tranmere Rovers midfielder, who has been in fine form in England, spoke to members of the press during the national team’s open media session on Monday afternoon about his journey back to the national setup and his conversations with head coach Benni McCarthy.
For Obiero, the call-up is the fulfillment of a long held ambition.
“It’s always an honor to be here. I’ve always wanted to play for Kenya. I’ve said this before and I’m just really happy to be here,” he stated.
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His return to the national team carries extra weight after a difficult period in 2025. Obiero was first called up to the Kenya U20 squad for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt but he did not make the cut for the final squad named by coach Salim Babu.
Reflecting on that setback, Obiero said that such moments help to shape up a player
“Things happen, sometimes things don’t go as planned. But you’ve got to keep working hard, you’ve got to keep believing in God. I’m thankful to God for giving me another opportunity to represent a country that I’m really happy to be in,” he explained.
The midfielder’s inclusion in the senior squad is the result of a deliberate hunt for players abroad spearheaded by Benni McCarthy and FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga.
The duo has been working to identify and recruit diaspora talent to strengthen the squad ahead of the 2027 AFCON. Obiero revealed that speaking with a legend like McCarthy was a significant factor in his decision to commit to the Stars.
Zech Obiero reveals how McCarthy played big part in accepting Harambee Stars call up
“As we know, Benni is a legend in the football game. Speaking to him was an honor as well. It was just really encouraging. He’s saying what he wants to do with Kenya, where he wants to take us, and that’s what you want to hear as a footballer you want to hear a plan, a clear plan and just confidence from a manager that’s picking you. That’s what made me come here,” he said.
The British-born midfielder has attributed his growth to the regular playing time since his move to Tranmere Rovers.
“Obviously, I’m playing most of the games, getting regular football which I didn’t have at Leyton Orient. Being at Tranmere is just another experience, I’ve hit the road well, scored a couple of goals, and hopefully, I can go back there fit and play even better,” he said.
Obiero who got huge recognition on social media after his mid-season move to Tranmere has acknowledged the massive love and support from Kenyans in pushing him to perform.
“That love is everything for a footballer. Especially coming from home, which I can call Kenya home. Now, when I go out on the pitch, I can feel that love when the crowd starts roaring,” he said.
The success-hungry midfielder is part of the Harambee Stars squad that departed for Kigali, Rwanda on Tuesday morning and could make his debut against Estonia at the Amahoro Stadium.