New Harambee Stars England-based defender reveals Kenyan connection
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Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 25.05.26. | 18:03
The little-known centre-back, named in Benni McCarthy’s squad, instantly sparked curiosity among Kenyan football fans
New Harambee Stars defender Deon Woodman has opened up on his Kenyan roots after receiving a surprise maiden call-up to the national team for the June international friendlies against Kyrgyzstan and Palestine.
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The little-known centre-back, named in Benni McCarthy’s squad, instantly sparked curiosity among Kenyan football fans, many of whom were unaware that he qualifies to represent Kenya through his mother, who hails from Kehancha in Migori County.
Woodman revealed that the life-changing call from Kenya arrived during one of the biggest moments of his club career, just days before Wealdstone’s Isuzu FA Trophy final against Southend United at Wembley Stadium.
“My agent told me, leading up to the final, that Kenya had called,” Woodman said in an interview with Game Ni 90. “Nick Kimanthi (Harambee Stars team manager) had been in contact with him.
For me, it was weird because obviously I had a final coming up, so I didn’t really know what to think. But eventually getting called up was just like… wow. It’s all surreal for me right now.”
The timing made the moment even more emotional for the defender, with the disappointment of Wealdstone’s defeat to Southend quickly replaced by the excitement of earning international recognition with Harambee Stars.
Although born and raised in England, Woodman says Kenya has always played a significant role in his life. He has travelled to the country several times and remains closely connected to his family in Migori.
“My mom grew up in a village called Kehancha,” he explained. “It’s a long drive from Nairobi. I’ve been to Kenya quite a few times. My mom’s wedding was also done in Kenya about two years ago.”
The visits, he says, shaped his understanding of family, culture and identity.
“Every time I go, I always feel the love, whether it’s from family or even strangers who don’t know me,” he said. “There’s even a little running joke where they call me ‘Mzungu’ because I’m probably the lightest shade they’ve seen in the village.”
Beyond the jokes, Woodman admits the connection he feels with Kenya runs deep.
“Honestly, every visit gives me a different perspective on life. That’s why when the call-up happened, I was overwhelmed. Words honestly can’t explain it.”
The defender also disclosed that while he was not deeply immersed in Kenyan football growing up, he always followed Harambee Stars from a distance, especially during AFCON and World Cup qualification campaigns.
“Everything is still kind of fresh to me when it comes to Kenyan football,” he said. “I would always keep tabs if Kenya got to AFCON or the World Cup qualifiers, just to see how they were doing.”
Woodman insisted he never tried to force his way into the national team setup, choosing instead to focus on his development and trust the process.
“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.”
Now preparing for his first experience with Harambee Stars, the defender says he is eager to work under McCarthy and help Kenya build for the future.
“I’m really excited to work with Benni McCarthy,” Woodman said. “It’s a different challenge, and one that I’m ready for. Hopefully, together we can help push this team in the right direction.”