- Harambee Stars defender Deon Woodman has opened up about the behind-the-scenes effort that secured his maiden international call-up for Kenya.
- Woodman hails from Kehancha in Migori County as he plays for Wealdstone FC as a center-back.
- Woodman is one of the five new call-ups to the Harambee Stars squad.
Newly summoned Harambee Stars defender Deon Woodman has opened up about the behind-the-scenes effort that secured his maiden international call-up for Kenya.
The towering Wealdstone FC center-back, who was recently named the club’s Supporters’ Player of the Season after racking over 3,300 minutes, revealed that Harambee Stars Team Manager and Data Analyst Nick Kimanthi was the mastermind tracking his progress from Nairobi.
Speaking to Game ni 90 on his first senior international call-up, Woodman admitted the news reached him at a highly chaotic but historic moment for his club.
“To cap off the season with an international call-up is an amazing feeling. Words won’t do justice to how I feel,” Woodman shared. “It’s my proudest moment to be called up for my home country.”
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How Deon Woodman received his maiden Harambee Stars call-up
Detailing how the national team setup established contact, the defender praised the meticulous approach of Team Manager Nick Kimanthi, who bypassed the usual noise to establish direct communication with his representation right before Wealdstone walked out at Wembley Stadium for the Isuzu FA Trophy final against Southend.
“My agent told me, leading up to the final, that Kenya had called. Nick Kimanthi had been in contact with him,” Woodman revealed.
“For me, it was so weird like, I don’t know what to think, because obviously I had a final coming up. To hear that and eventually get called up was just like, wow. It’s all surreal for me right now, which I’m so happy about.”
Woodman’s footballing destiny is deeply anchored in Migori County despite having played majorly in Britain.
“My mom grew up in a village called Kehancha in Kuria East Sub-county. I have been to Kenya quite a few times. My mom’s wedding was also done in Kenya, that was like two years ago. Honestly, every visit gives me a different perspective on life. That’s why when the call-up happened, I was overwhelmed.”
Woodman noted he always kept an eye on the national team’s fortunes from afar, maintaining a patient approach to his international aspirations.
“Everything is still kind of fresh to me when it comes to Kenyan football. I would always keep tabs if Kenya would get to AFCON or the World Cup qualifier matches to see if they would make it,” Woodman noted.
“But being in the UK, my main focus was always on what I was doing personally. I always felt that if a call-up was meant to happen, then it would happen. I stayed patient, kept working, and eventually the opportunity came.”
Woodman’s arrival coincides with the tenure of head coach Benni McCarthy, an environment the defender believes will spark a new chapter in his developmental path.
“I’m really excited to work with Benni McCarthy. I think it’s a different challenge, and one that I’m ready for,” he asserted. “Hopefully, together, we can help push this team in the right direction. It’s also going to be a completely different environment compared to the UK, so in a way it’ll be a breath of fresh air.”
The transition into international football is made significantly sweeter by the presence of his Wealdstone teammate, Micah Obiero, who has also been drafted into McCarthy’s squad.
Interestingly, Micah’s younger brother, Zech Obiero (Leyton Orient), has already broken into the senior national side, scoring on his debut back in March.