Lorine Ilavonga trains in a past session./FILE
Harambee Starlets defender Lorine Ilavonga believes they have what it takes to beat Gambia in their next CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers match next week.
Ilavonga will be making her debut for Starlets after anchoring Kenya’s back-line during the Fifa U-17 Women’s World Cup last year. She attributed her first call-up to the senior team to punching above her weight at the junior level.
Starlets have intensified their preparations for the two-legged encounter scheduled for October 24 from 6 pm at Nyayo Stadium, with the return leg set for October 28 at Stade Lat Dior in Thiès, Senegal. Ilavonga’s journey to the top has been one built on quiet conviction and steady growth.
“I thank God for this opportunity and I promise to do my best,” Ilavonga said. She added, “It doesn’t come easy. You must believe in yourself and have confidence. I want to work hard and heed the coach’s instructions to the letter. It’s about stepping out of the comfort zone, and doping what you have to do.”
For Ilavonga, an alumnus of Wiyeta Girls, this is not just a personal triumph but a symbol of Kenya’s growing investment in developing women’s football talent. With her steady rise through the ranks and a faith-driven work ethic, she stands ready to open a new chapter in her new journey.
“It’s every player’s dream to represent her country at the top level,” she said. “Now that the chance has come, I’m giving it everything.” Starlets are currently in training in Thika, undergoing rigorous and disciplined sessions under head coach Beldine Odemba, who has blended youth and experience in pursuit of Kenya’s first Wafcon appearance since 2016.
Under Odemba’s guidance, the Starlets have focused on tactical play, improving coordination, and maintaining high intensity in every session. Odemba said the atmosphere in camp reflects a team united by purpose, which is to deliver Kenya back to the continental stage.
She said Ilavonga, one of several Rising Starlets graduates, has brought composure and improved communication to the defence, and she is expected to play a crucial role in the qualifiers.
“Ilavonga’s track record speaks of quiet excellence, and she is a key figure in Kenya’s history-making U17 side that qualified for the 2024 Fifa U17 Women’s World Cup without conceding a goal in qualifiers.” She was also a standout performer at the Caf Under-17 Girls Integrated football tourney held in Tanzania, where she was named among the best 11.
At the World Cup, she helped Kenya record their first-ever victory on the global stage, defeating Mexico 2–1. Now, she carries that same determination into the senior fold, with eyes set on helping the Starlets restore their continental presence. Her performances at the youth level attracted interest from top-tier sides, eventually earning her a move to Ulinzi Starlets, which outfit known for structure and technical precision. “Every level has prepared me for this,” she said.
“I’ve learned that consistency and discipline always pay off, and now it’s time to fight for Kenya,” she added. Her teammates share that conviction with forward Shirleen Opisa, also a Rising Starlets graduate, calling on fans to rally behind the team.
