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Beldine Odemba declares Harambee Starlets ready for WAFCON responsibility
15th July, 2026 08:53 AM
Harambee Starlets coach has declared Kenya’s women’s team’s readiness to make a grand return to the 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations scheduled for this July 2026 in Morocco.
In a statement after the team visits State House on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, where they were hosted by President William Ruto alongside the World Cup-bound Junior Starlets, Odemba said that the enormity of the task awaiting them in the continental assignment is not lost on the team.
She reaffirmed the need to rise to the occasion and give their all to give it a good show.
Ready for the challenge
“Wearing the national colours is both an honour and a responsibility that we do not take lightly. We are fully aware that we carry the hopes and dreams of millions of Kenyans, and we are committed to giving our very best in every match, every training session, and every moment of this journey,” she stated.
Kenya will be making its return to the women’s championship after featuring last in 2026 under coach David Ouma, when they exited in the group phase. The upcoming tournament carries extra significance with the prospect of a World Cup appearance also in sight.
“As a team, we promise to compete with courage, discipline, pride, and determination. We will represent Kenya with dignity and do everything within our power to make the nation proud,” she added.
Motivation and support
Odemba further called for improved player motivation and support as the team prepares for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and targets qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
We are still appealing for motivation for the players and technical team. We are asking for a good send-off and motivation. We are eyeing the World Cup slot in the WAFCON games. If we get to the semifinal, we get the World Cup slot, and we request that you cheer us on,” Odemba concluded.
As part of the team’s preparations, Kenya will travel to France for a two-week residential camp before heading straight to Morocco for the tournament.
WAFCON challenge
Kenya faces a demanding challenge after being placed in Group A with tournament hosts Morocco, Algeria, and Senegal. They begin their campaign against Morocco on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat before facing Senegal on July 30, 2026, and Algeria on August 3, 2026.
