Nohan Kenneh nips down to Leeds on his day off for food at his parents’ house because he can’t cook. It’s fair to say he’s still getting used to living on his own in Edinburgh. But he has been in the city long enough to know what a derby match means to Hibs supporters.
When asked what people have told him about playing Hearts, quick as a flash he replied: “Don’t lose.” So he’s already got a gist of what he’s going into at Easter Road this afternoon. And as a youngster who has built a reputation for being a physical powerhouse, a clash with their Gorgie neighbours might be right up his street.
Hibs gaffer Lee Johnson reckons he’s got a future star in Kenneh. A former England youth cap alongside the likes of Jude Bellingham and Harvey Elliott, the 19-year-old was part of Marcelo Bielsa’s first-team squad at Leeds United last season in the Premier League. So he’s got ability. It’s now up to Johnson to help him fulfil his potential in the Premiership.
But what might make Kenneh special is his humility, on and off the pitch. That comes from his family who fled the civil war in Liberia to start a new life in the UK before Nohan followed when he was just seven years old.
His upbringing will ensure he’ll never take anything for granted. He still has ambitions to play for England. But to have any chance of achieving it, he has to play – and that’s why he’s in Leith.
As he reflected on the move to Edinburgh and looked forward to his first taste of a derby, Kenneh said: “It was a massive decision to come here.
“I’ve been with my parents my whole life so it was a big step to live on my own. I’ve been at Leeds since I was 11 – it has always been Leeds, Leeds, Leeds.
“But it was the right time to move because I want to test myself. At Leeds I spoke to Liam Cooper, the skipper, who is Scottish. He’d spoken to John McGinn as well who used to be here, they have a close relationship.
“He told me to come here and play my game. But I’m a family-orientated person. I still go down as much as possible. Last time we had two days off, I went down for some food. I can’t cook yet!
“But it wasn’t just that, I miss them. They’re all proud of me and what I’m doing. That gives me encouragement on the pitch, which makes me more comfortable. So far Scottish football has been good. It’s intense, that’s what I like.
“I like to get up against my opponents. Tackling is my game. That’s why I can’t wait for the derby, for the tackles to be flying in.
“I think the game here will be suited to my style of play. People have told me not to back out of challenges. In derbies some people can struggle to keep a cool head, they let the occasion get to them. I won’t let that happen. If I’m not going to win the ball, I won’t show fake passion.
“That’s stupid because you can get yourself sent off. That’s not my game. But if there’s a tackle to be won, I’ll do my job. It’s just about winning your battles. I need to experience it then I’ll truly know about the rivalry here.”
Kenneh has been football-mad since landing in Leeds from Liberia – the country of former World Player of the Year George Weah.
He was nurtured in the Elland Road academy, learning from the likes of legendary coach Bielsa and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips. But it’s his parents’ influence that makes him who he is.
He said: “I don’t remember much about Liberia, just playing football in the park and getting into trouble for not coming home early. The people there love football, it’s mad. I haven’t met Weah but my dad has. He’s still the only African to win the Ballon d’Or.
“When people ask me where I’m from, they don’t know Liberia. But when I say George Weah, they get it.
“My family left the civil war, that was really tough. But we’ve adapted to every circumstance we’ve come across, whether it’s football, education, finance, whatever.
“We had to stay together. My family did everything possible for me to play, taking me to games, making all of those sacrifices.
“I’m grateful to them for that and tell them every day. They make me do what I’m doing now. But I also tell them there’s more to come from me. My dad is a massive football fan. He encourages me.
“My mum would always tell me to do my school work but dad would say, ‘Go out and play and if it doesn’t work out, it’s fine.’
“He didn’t put pressure on me. He’d come in from work in the morning, not go to sleep, then take me to play
Sunday League. And he’d always tell me how good or bad I played.
“He always says, ‘People outside will tell you different things but I’ll tell you straight.’ We have that relationship, it’s good.”
So far Kenneh has only been capped by England but Liberia are aware of him.
At 16, he was on the same level as Borussia Dortmund superstar Bellingham and Liverpool ace Elliott. And he hasn’t given up hope of one day playing international football. He said: “That was a great England youth team but everyone has different paths in football. Some people develop quicker than others.
“Those guys inspire me because they were in my age group. If they can make it, surely I can? That’s my aim, to get to that level or higher.
“Liberia has approached me but I’m keeping my options open. If one doesn’t work out, I can go to the other one. If I get called up, I can’t neglect Liberia. But you never know what can happen and I want to play for England one day.”
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