STONES’ centre-half Deon Woodman realised every footballer’s dream last week when he played international football for the first time.
After debuting for Kenya in the second of two back-to-back friendly matches against Lesotho (on June 7) – both played in Pretoria, South Africa – the centre-half was bursting with pride.
“It still feels surreal. Representing your country is a huge honour and something I’ve always dreamed about,” said the 23-year-old.
“The environment has been brilliant. There’s a really positive energy around the group, but when it’s time to focus and work hard, everyone switches on.”
With former South Africa striker Benni McCarthy at the helm, the ‘Harambee Stars’ – as Kenya’s national team are known – currently sit just outside the top 100 in the Fifa World rankings.
Their two Lesotho games finished 1-1 and 4-0 respectively, with Woodman’s Wealdstone colleague Micah Obiero – himself a June 4 Kenya debutant – having a hand in Kenya’s first of their quartet of goals.
Added the Wealdstone FC Supporters Club ‘Player of the Season’: “Pulling on that Kenya shirt and seeing the badge means everything.
“Everyone was so welcoming throughout the camp.”
He added: “I’ve built some great friendships already and the lads have made me feel part of the group straight away.”