England-based midfielder reveals how McCarthy convinced him to play for Harambee Stars
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 24.03.26. | 07:34
Obiero’s first involvement with any Kenya national team setup came at youth level when he earned a call-up to the Kenya U20 national team squad ahead of the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations (AFCON U20) qualifiers
English-born midfielder Zech Obiero, currently on loan at Tranmere Rovers from Leyton Orient, has opened up about how a conversation with Benni McCarthy convinced him to commit to the Harambee Stars.
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Obiero’s first involvement with any Kenya national team setup came at the youth level, when he earned a call-up to the Kenya U20 national team squad ahead of the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations (AFCON U20) finals in Egypt.
However, he did not make the final tournament squad that was selected by coach Salim Babu.
Earlier this month, Obiero received his first senior team call-up after McCarthy announced his squad for the March FIFA international break.
The selection followed meetings with a Football Kenya Federation (FKF) delegation in the UK, where the 21-year-old formally pledged to represent Kenya internationally, choosing Stars over other options.
Speaking at his first press conference with the senior team at Nyayo National Stadium, the Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate revealed that McCarthy’s vision for Kenya played a key role in his decision.
“As we know, Benni is a legend in the football game, so speaking to him was an honour as well, and it is really encouraging. He says what he wants to do with Kenya and where he wants to take us,” Obiero explained.
He added that, like any young footballer, following a clear project was important in his decision.
“And that’s what you want to hear as a footballer, you want to hear a plan, a clear plan, and confidence from the manager who is picking you. That’s what made it,” he said.
McCarthy has injected new belief and energy into the national team, particularly after his performance in the African Nations Championship (CHAN), where he guided the Stars to their first-ever quarter-final appearance.
His efforts have already earned him SJAK Coach of the Month honours for August 2025 and a Head of State Commendation from President William Ruto.
Born to Henry Obiero, a former professional footballer who played for Gor Mahia and earned senior Harambee Stars caps, Zech is eager to make his debut.
He is likely to feature in Kenya’s opening game against Estonia on Friday.
“You dream about moments like that, playing for your country. Every footballer, as you grow, wants to do something meaningful, so if it comes, I want to give glory to God all the time. It will be a great opportunity, we’ll see,” he said on the possibility of his debut.
Obiero also highlighted the importance of team bonding and preparing to perform effectively in their upcoming fixtures.
“We are going to do everything we can. We are going to train as hard as we can. We have games coming up where we can see how the gaffer wants us to play and how the players are going to gel together. I think this is a good camp for the team,” he said.