Shilwatso backs Harambee Starlets to shine at WAFCON after intensive build-up

Harambee Starlets defender Euphrasier Shilwatso believes Kenya’s exhaustive preparations have equipped the team to compete with Africa’s elite as they return to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), starting Sunday in Morocco.

The versatile defender, whose football journey began on the dusty pitches of Kakamega, has established herself as one of the key players in coach Beldine Odemba’s squad after a steady rise through the domestic ranks.

Shilwatso captained Archbishop Njenga Girls High School before featuring for Nini Farm 105 FC, Barcelona FC of Nyahururu, Bandari Queens, Vihiga Queens and now Kayole Starlets, where she has continued to excel in the FKF Women’s Premier League.

Her career took a significant turn after switching from attacking midfield to defence at Kayole Starlets. She marked her league debut in her new role with a goal and finished the season with five goals and one assist. The performances earned her a maiden Harambee Starlets call-up for the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers against Tunisia.

Just days after receiving her first national team invitation, Shilwatso graduated with a Diploma in Hospitality Management before making her senior international debut against Algeria—the same opponents Kenya will face in their final Group A match in Morocco.

Speaking from the team’s pre-tournament training camp in France, Shilwatso said the quality and intensity of the preparations have boosted the squad’s confidence ahead of Kenya’s second appearance at the continental showpiece.

“The preparations have been excellent. The technical bench has really worked on our defensive organisation, transitions and decision-making under pressure. Training against quality opposition has helped us improve, and we feel ready for the challenge ahead,” she said.

Kenya booked their place at the tournament after edging Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate to qualify for WAFCON for the first time since making their debut in 2016. The Starlets have since sharpened their readiness through residential camps and an intensive training programme in France before travelling to Morocco.

Drawn in a challenging Group A, Kenya will face hosts Morocco in their opening match before taking on Senegal and concluding the group stage against Algeria.

For Shilwatso, the reunion with Algeria is particularly meaningful, having earned her first senior cap against the North Africans during the qualification campaign.

“This is another opportunity to show how far I have grown as a player and how much we have improved as a team. Every training session has prepared us for this moment, and we are ready to compete,” she said.

Beyond continental glory, this year’s WAFCON also doubles as Africa’s qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification.