President William Ruto decorates Harambee Starlets' coach Beldine Odemba during Jamhuri Day celebrations/HANDOUTHarambee Starlets are using the remaining international windows and training camps to fine-tune tactics, build cohesion and strengthen mental readiness ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Head coach Beldine Odemba says home support will be vital as Kenya prepare for the continental challenge. The Starlets have one remaining FIFA international window in February before the tournament kicks off in March.
Odemba confirmed that Kenya have requested a friendly against South Africa and hopes the match will be staged at home.
“In this calendar, we have already placed our request, which is South Africa,” she said, adding that the technical bench has asked the Football Kenya Federation to facilitate a home fixture. She described the February window as crucial and one that must be fully utilised.
Odemba said home friendlies are key to growing the fan base and easing pressure on the players while allowing the technical team to assess new talent.
“It will help us build a fan base when we play at home,” she said. “Our people will get to see us play and identify with us.”
The coach was recently honoured by President William Ruto for guiding the Starlets back to the WAFCON finals, with the Head of State praising her leadership and resilience in rebuilding the team. She was honoured alongside captain Mwanalima “Dogo” Adam, whose decisive goals during the qualifiers helped secure Kenya’s return to the continental stage.
Odemba confirmed the squad remains ready despite a few absences. Goalkeeper Lavender Ann Akinyi and defender Tabitha Amoit are unavailable due to military training at the Kenya Defence Forces Recruit Training School in Eldoret.
“Missing Lavender is a challenge, but we are already a step ahead in finding a good replacement,” Odemba said.
Kenya sealed qualification with a 4–1 aggregate victory over The Gambia, ending a nine-year absence since their debut appearance in 2016. The campaign saw the Starlets rise to around 133rd in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings and 21st in Africa.
