New Harambee Stars call-up Micah Obiero in action for Wealdstone FC during a league match/HANDOUT As Micah Obiero stepped onto the training pitch for his first session with Harambee Stars on Monday, the Wealdstone FC forward looked every bit a man eager to begin a new chapter in his football journey.
Obiero is among five players handed maiden senior national team call-ups by Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy ahead of Kenya’s two international friendly matches against Lesotho in South Africa this week.
“I had a good season, scored a lot of goals, and I want to bring that confidence and momentum to Kenya and hopefully give a few good performances for the country.”
The words carried the excitement of a player whose long-awaited international opportunity had finally arrived. The striker arrives in camp after a breakthrough season in England’s National League, where he scored 15 goals and provided three assists for Wealdstone.
His performances earned him the club’s Golden Boot award as well as the Players’ Player of the Season accolade voted for by his teammates.
Speaking after his first training session with the national team, Obiero admitted that the call-up was a thrilling reward for months of hard work.
“When I received the news about the call-up, I was extremely excited,” said Obiero. The former Huddersfield Town player revealed that the announcement came shortly before one of his club assignments, making the moment even more memorable. “The timing of the call-up made everything even more special because it came during an important period for me,” he said.
Having enjoyed the most productive campaign of his career, Obiero believes he is joining the national team at the right moment. “I feel I am coming here in good form after a productive season, and I want to carry that momentum into the national team,” he said.
The son of Gor Mahia legend Henry Obiero said representing Kenya at the senior level is an honour he has dreamt about for years. “It is a privilege to be here and represent Kenya. My focus is to work hard and help the team in any way I can,” he added.
Obiero believes his recent form can add another dimension to McCarthy’s attack as Kenya continues its preparations for future assignments.
“I believe I have qualities that can benefit the team, and I am looking forward to showing what I can do when given the opportunity,” he said.
The striker also described the camp as a valuable learning environment, particularly for players experiencing the national team setup for the first time.
“There are many experienced players in the squad, and I want to learn as much as possible from them,” he noted.
Competition for places remains fierce, but Obiero says he is ready to fight for opportunities. “Every player wants to earn a place in the team, and I am prepared to compete and give my best every day,” he said.
Looking ahead to a possible debut against Lesotho, the forward made his ambitions clear. “My aim is simple: help Kenya, perform well and make the supporters proud,” he said.
Obiero joins a Harambee Stars squad that has undergone several late changes ahead of the June international window. Kenya had initially been scheduled to face Palestine and Kyrgyzstan.
However, logistical challenges forced the cancellation of both fixtures, prompting the Football Kenya Federation to arrange a two-match friendly series against Lesotho instead.
Both matches will be played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa. The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 4, while the second will be played on Sunday, June 7. Both encounters will kick off at 4 pm East African Time.
McCarthy has also made significant adjustments to his travelling squad. Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, striker Ryan Ogam and winger Job Ochieng have all dropped out and will not travel to South Africa.
In their place, goalkeeper Brian Bwire, midfielder Kelly Madada and utility player Amos Nondi have been drafted into the squad. Madada’s inclusion comes after an impressive campaign with AFC Leopards, where he emerged as one of the most exciting young attacking talents in the FKF Premier League.
The Harambee Stars squad reported to camp on Monday, June 1, for an afternoon training session before departing for South Africa on Tuesday.
The June friendlies will provide McCarthy and his technical bench with another opportunity to evaluate players as Kenya continues building towards future continental assignments, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which the country will co-host.
The South African tactician has already signalled a more focused approach to squad selection. “I am no longer going to experiment when it comes to player call-ups and squad selection,” McCarthy said recently.
The former Manchester United striker stressed the importance of building consistency and accountability within the national team setup. “One thing I can promise is that we will not suffer an 8-0 loss like the one against Senegal,” he added.
For Obiero and the other new faces in camp, the upcoming matches against Lesotho offer an important chance to impress as McCarthy continues moulding a squad capable of competing at the highest level in the years ahead.
