English-based defender relives 'surreal' Harambee Stars debut
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 13.06.26. | 10:28
The 23-year-old had an impressive showing in the second of Kenya's friendlies against Lesotho last Sunday
New Harambee Stars defender Deon Woodman says it “still feels surreal” that he last week accomplished one of his career goals by representing Kenya in the national football team.
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Sunday, 7 June will forever be a date to remember for the 23-year-old Woodman, as it is the day he finally got the chance to play for his country, featuring in Kenya’s 4-0 victory over Lesotho at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in South Africa.
"It still feels surreal,” Woodman, who was born in England, but qualifies to represent Kenya through his mother, told his club Wealdstone, on Friday, 12 June. “Representing your country is a huge honour and something I’ve always dreamed about.”
A fairly unknown entity when Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy named him in his squad for the first time, many fans in Kenya had no idea what to expect from the tall defender, only for him to leave a visible imprint on the game, and give himself a chance at breaking into future squads.
Starting alongside former Gor Mahia defender Alphonce Omija at center back, Woodman was as cool as they come on his national team debut, putting in a super composed display that had him widely recognized as the star of that game.
Reacting to his unforgettable day, the Wealdstone FC Supporters Club 'Player of the Season said: “Pulling on that Kenya shirt and seeing the badge means everything. Everyone was so welcoming throughout the camp. "I’ve built some great friendships already, and the lads made me feel part of the group straight away.”
The win for Harambee Stars ensured they ended their June pair of friendlies unbeaten, and marked an improvement on the latest FIFA rankings by shooting up two places to 109th in the world.
The big picture for McCarthy, is to build a team that will compete strongly at next year’s home Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, which Woodman has already staked a big claim for.
“The environment has been brilliant,” Woodman said of the Harambee Stars team. “There’s a really positive energy around the group, but when it’s time to focus and work hard, everyone switches on.”
He well will be, when McCarthy potentially summons him again, for the next international assignment.