Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba is confident her charges can make a lasting impression on the continental stage after booking their ticket to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Starlets ended a nine-year hiatus by beating The Gambia 4-1 on aggregate in a two-legged qualifier.
Odemba declared that the Starlets are not heading to WAFCON to make up the numbers. “We don’t want to be just participants; we want to be real contenders,” she said.
For Odemba, the focus shifts to proper preparation and conditioning ahead of what promises to be a landmark tournament for the resurgent side.
“Next is to ensure the girls prepare well for the task ahead of us,” she added.
The tactician praised her side’s unwavering unity and determination, revealing that the hunger to end the country’s long exile from continental football fuelled their campaign.
“Unity in the team and great spirit were key for us. We kept on reminding ourselves that it had been nine years,” she said.
Odemba was quick to shift the spotlight away from herself, insisting the victory was for the flag and the fans.
“It’s not about me, it’s about the country. Kenya has qualified after nine good years and I am sure the nation is happy. This win is for the country and for football fans,” she said.
She thanked President William Ruto and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for their support, crediting them for motivating the team when it mattered most.
“I truly thank the President for the motivation; it worked. We also thank the federation and urge them, as well as the Ministry of Sports, to give us sufficient time to prepare before WAFCON,” Odemba stated.
President Ruto had pledged Sh1 million for each player if the Starlets won their away match against Gambia and sealed qualification, or Sh500,000 each for a draw and progression.
Earlier, he had promised Sh5 million for a home win in the first leg and Sh2.5 million for a draw. Team captain Dorcas Shikobe lauded the supporters, urging them to keep the faith as the Starlets dream bigger.
“The journey has not been easy, but we thank God. We thank our fans for cheering us on, and we’ve shown them that we can deliver. We hope they continue supporting us as we push ourselves, even towards the World Cup,” said the skipper.
Goalkeeper Lilian Awuor echoed her coach’s sentiments.
“I lack words. I am just so happy that we made Kenya proud. We’re going to WAFCON not just to participate, but to prove that we can stand tall even against the best,” she said.
“Competing in WAFCON will open a lot of doors for us; this chance will unlock so many opportunities.” FKF President Hussein Mohammed praised Starlets for their resilience and brilliance over the two legs.
“Congratulations to Harambee Starlets for qualifying for WAFCON 2026. We are all so proud of you. You’ve done your best, and we promise you our full support as FKF, alongside the government of Kenya and President Ruto,” he said.
“Now the real hard work starts. We are behind you all the way and will ensure you have everything you need to keep winning,” he added.
“To the technical team, thank you for your dedication. And to our fans, your support has been immense. Let’s keep rallying behind the Starlets as they take Kenyan football back to the continental elite.”
by TEDDY MULEI
