KENYA DEBUT: Obiero Keeping It In The Family

A PROUD family tradition continued earlier this month when Micah Obiero joined father Henry and younger brother Zech in representing Kenya.

Micah's June 4 debut came in as sub in the first of a two-game series against Lesotho in South Africa, with the Wealdstone striker claiming an assist as the Harambee Stars ran out 4-0 winners.

The 25-year-old's red hot form in 2025/26 saw him end the Stones' campaign as top goalscorer with 19 in all competitions, leading to his being named the club's Players' Player of the Season, and surely contributed to a much-coveted international debut.

"Playing for Kenya wasn't on my mind back last summer but I know my ability and I've got confidence in my ability - so it's a very special moment," said the former Terriers' youth product."

And what a time to get involved...with Kenya automatically qualifying for the Africa Cup Of Nations 2027 alongside joint hosts Tanzania and Uganda.

"They [Football Kenya Federation] called for me at Huddersfield but it was very early then, but now I'm joining my brother and my father in representing Kenya and that's something really for our family to be proud about."

Micah was heading to Kenya anyway this summer, to see extended family in Bondo, Kenya, where a number of his uncles and aunts live. 

But holidaying during the off-season proved to be not the only significant trip to his familial homeland.

"I flew back home to the UK after seeing family," explained the forward, who's now passed 150 appearances in the royal blue of Wealdstone, having signed from Boston United in September 2022.

"Then it was back to Kenya for two days with the squad before we flew to South Africa for the two games against Lesotho."

He added: "You're all representing exactly the same cause as a national squad. The ambition is to represent your country well and I'm so proud to do that with Kenya.

"African football is very physical, with more challenges - but it's slower in general, like international football tends to be when you watch it.

"It's more calculated I found, so you have to be even more ready to make the most of every moment."

Although Micah didn't get to line up alongside Zech, the Obiero household has celebrated each of the brothers' achievements.

"Dad said to go out there and enjoy it," smiled Micah. "I'm sure he gave Zech the same advice for his debut not so long ago.

"There's no competition between us; we're just amazingly proud of each other to be able to do what every player dreams about."

A smart operator up front all season for Stones, Micah's quick to point out that his international call-up owes much to his club teammates providing the ammunition to fire into opposition goals during this past campaign.

"Perhaps it was my year to start to make a bit of noise," he chuckled, a nod to several spells at The Vale which has seen him deployed in a number of positions away from the one he calls his own.

"Back up front made all the difference and allowed me to gather a lot of confidence.

"I suppose I've been rewarded for hard work and endeavour, with a lot of help from the lads around me and the coaching staff allowing me to express myself.

"My Kenya debut means the world to me, it's been a fantastic honour."