As part of their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, Harambee Starlets will play two international friendlies against Zambia.
The team will play the matches in Zambia between November 24 and December 2, on dates to be decided.
Head coach Beldine Odemba, a CAF “A” license holder, who spoke on Thursday at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, said: “We will meet with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to create a plan for Wafcon. We have requested full support from the federation and the Ministry of Sports as we seek to surpass our performance the last time we qualified.”
Odemba made these comments after being named October’s coach of the month by the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK), in partnership with the betting firm Betika.
After a decade-long wait, the Starlets qualified for the tournament by beating The Gambia 4-1 on aggregate. They won 3-1 at home and 1-0 in Senegal.
“We are also aiming to qualify for the World Cup. We have requested their support throughout this journey. We don’t just want to participate; we want to compete. I know the girls will give their all. I am sure they want to make history,” Odemba said.
The top three teams at next year’s Wafcon will qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, which is scheduled from June 24 to July 25.
Odemba, who is also the football coach at Highway High School, won the SJAK award ahead of Kevin Wambua (Shujaa coach), Musa Benjamin (boxing coach), Nicholas Muyoti (Nairobi United FC coach), Meshack Senge (hockey coach), Simon Odongo (Lionesses coach), and national triathlon coach Camilla Lydya.
“I thank Betika for this award and for believing in the girls and my coaching. I dedicate it to Kenyans for their support, to the players for their fighting spirit on the pitch, and to my technical bench for their tireless work,” she said.
Odemba coached the Kenya Police Bullets until her departure at the beginning of this season. She coached the law enforcers for two seasons and won two Football Kenya Federation Women Premier League (FKF-WPL) titles with them.
“For now, I want to focus on Starlets. I am now fully focused on the national team,” Odemba said.
During the award ceremony, Ms Marya Wachira, a Betika marketing executive, said: “Heartfelt congratulations to Coach Odemba on this phenomenal achievement. Your dedication, passion, and leadership have inspired us and brought pride to the nation. As a corporation, we believe in rewarding tacticians who work tirelessly to ensure the playing unit flourishes.”
Abuller Ahmed, chairman of the selection committee and SJAK executive committee member, said: “Coach Odemba’s unanimous win is a testament to her outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. She’s a true champion who has brought pride to Kenya after a long time. The SJAK panel of judges couldn’t have made a more deserving choice. Here’s to many more milestones and a continued legacy of excellence.”
Odemba went home with a trophy and a check for Sh100,000.
