As Kenya intensifies preparations for the postponed 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has appealed to clubs to release players on time for national team assignments.
The national women’s football team is leaving for Lusaka, Zambia today, to participate in a four-nation international tournament as part of their build-up to the continental showpiece in Morocco from July 25 to August 19.
The tournament will bring together hosts Zambia, Kenya, Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
Odemba lamented that securing the release of players, especially those based abroad, remains a major challenge for the technical bench. “Simba Queens of Tanzania have not released all the players we requested. It has been challenging, but we hope to build a better working relationship with these clubs,” she said yesterday after a training session at Kasarani Annex in Nairobi.
The Tanzanian giants have only released midfielder Fasilah Adhiambo and assistant captain Ruth Ingosi. Forwards Jentrix Shikangwa and Elizabeth Wambui have not yet joined the squad due to injury.
The Football Kenya Federation Women Premier League side Ulinzi Starlets’ trio of defender Lorine Ilavonga and forwards Elizabeth Mideva and Shaline Nabengele did not report to camp after travelling with the team for a CSR programme. The players were expected to join the squad yesterday.
The coach also confirmed that first-choice goalkeeper Lilian Awuor and left-back Enez Mango would miss the trip to Zambia as they were working on their Romanian work permits. Forward Mwanahalima ‘Dogo’ Jereko, who is on loan from American club Kansas City Current to Danish side HB Køge Women, was expected to join the team yesterday.
“This is the second time we are missing Awuor and Mango because of the same issue. Hopefully, they will be available for Wafcon,” she said.
Despite the setbacks, Odemba remains optimistic that the Zambia tournament will provide valuable lessons ahead of the continental championship.
“We are excited about the fixtures because they will help us assess our current position and prepare for Wafcon. Our long-term goal is to qualify for the World Cup, and we are optimistic,” she added.
Kenya’s Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba.
Photo credit: Pool
The CAF A licence holder also called on fans to support the team, noting that some players struggle to cope with harsh criticism on social media.
“Some of the players need mental support because they find it difficult to handle negative criticism. As a technical bench, we have to work with them both on and off the pitch. This requires a great deal of communication and support,” Odemba said.
According to Odemba, regular international matches have played a significant role in improving Kenya’s competitiveness and standing in the FIFA rankings.
“These matches help us to improve our rankings and identify areas for improvement. They also boost the players’ morale, especially when we compete against better-ranked teams,” she said.
To cover for unavailable players, Odemba has recalled Lorna Faith, Marion Serenge, Violet Nanjala and Catherine Khaemba to the squad.
Kenya will begin their campaign in the round-robin tournament against Zimbabwe on June 6, before facing hosts Zambia on June 9. As of yesterday evening, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) had yet to announce the venues for the matches.
Zambia and Kenya are using the competition to prepare for Wafcon. Lesotho and Zimbabwe did not qualify for the tournament.
The Starlets squad largely comprises players who featured in the 2026 FIFA Series in Nairobi in March. Forwards Emily Morang’a and Vivian Shiyonzo have returned to the national team after missing the tournament.
Among the experienced players named in the squad is Annedy Kundu, a goalkeeper who recently helped Kenya Police Bullets win the FKF-WPL title.
In defence, coach Odemba has retained the Bullets trio of Elizabeth Ochaka, Leah Andiema and Norah Ann. They are joined by Ingosi and Vivian Nasaka, who plays for the Turkish team Hakkarigücü Spor, as well as Ilavonga and Euphrasier Shilwatso of Kayole Starlets.
The midfield will be led by the experienced Lorna Nyarinda and Tereza Engesha of Bullets, as well as Martha Amunyolete of Vihiga Queens, Jereko and Adhiambo.
Up front, Odemba has selected the Ulinzi Starlets duo of Mideva and Nabengele, as well as Eglay Mukhwana of Nakuru City Queens, Airin Madalina of Vihiga Queens and Shirleen Opisa of Amus College in Uganda.
This year, Starlets climbed five places to 128th in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings. This followed their impressive performance at the 2026 FIFA Series in March, where they secured a 2-0 victory over India.
In addition to their preparations for Wafcon, Kenya will also begin their quest for a place at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The Starlets have been given a bye to the second round, where they will play Seychelles in a two-legged tie scheduled for October5–13.
If Kenya eliminates Seychelles, they will advance to the third round, where they will face either Malawi or Zimbabwe in matches scheduled for February 23 to March 8 next year.
A total of 35 nations are competing for qualification for the women’s football tournament at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with only two African teams guaranteed places at the Games.
