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Harambee Starlets’ junior head coach Beldine Odemba is exuding confidence ahead of the CECAFA U18 Women’s Championship that will begin on Saturday, June 24, 2023, in Nairobi.

The Starlets have been in camp for quite some time now, preparing for the junior regional competition.

Standout Starlets

“We have identified a few standout players who will undoubtedly contribute significantly to our pursuit of winning the tournament,” Odemba said, as quoted by the Football Kenya Federation website.

Odemba had to work with the few players who were initially available and had appealed for schools to release those named in the provisional Starlets‘ squad.

“We ask KSSSA to consider adjusting the calendar slightly to accommodate the players’ participation in the national team. It is important for them to have the chance to play at this level.

“Playing for the national team is important for the players in terms of exposure. It also helps them build their careers, whether they aspire to play football professionally or pursue other opportunities within the football industry,” the coach said as she emphasized the need to have players in camp in time.

Cherished opportunity

Velma Kaveza and June Dezina Awino from Itigo Girls were among the first players to join their teammates at the camp, and both explained why national team call-ups are important.

“Being called up to the national squad is an opportunity every player would wish to have. I want to thank the coach and all the support staff for giving me this chance. I promise to reciprocate by doing my best in training.

“As a captain, I told my teammates to train together and support each other before leaving. I am sure the remaining players will do their best to emerge as winners under Achungu, who is very competent,” Kaveza said as quoted by a local media outlet.

“Being on the national team is very important because it encourages me to work harder. Football is good, and I want to urge my fellow girls to use their talents well if they have to go places,” Omondi said on her part.

On Sunday, June 18, 2023, Harambee Starlets played a friendly game against Zetech Sparks at Moi International Stadium, Kasarani, and won by a margin of 3-2. The victory is set to boost the players’ morale and spirit going into the change.

The CECAFA U18 tournament will run from Saturday, June 24, to Saturday, July 8, 2023, and Kenya are expected to enjoy home advantage as they host it.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers: Christine Omolo (Butere Girls), Scovia Awuor (Kobala Secondary), Terry Okova (Mogunga Girls), Velma Auma (Wiyeta Girls), and Shihafu Askonotia (Dagoretti Mixed).

Defenders: Robai Nelma (Lwandeti D.E.B), Vidah Okeyo (Butere Girls), Judith Okumu (Butere Girls), Dorcas Glenda (Butere Girls), Beryl Achieng (Magunga Secondary), Sharlot Atieno Obondi (KISPED), Philomena Syombua (Kamkunji Secondary), Claire Meris (Kobala Secondary), Junedezina Awino (Itigo Girls), Lorine Ilavunga (Wiyeta Girls), Sharon Omwangale (Wiyeta Girls), Ruth Akinyi (Nasokol Girls).

Midfielders: Rebecca Kwoba (Soccer Assasins FC), Jane Hato (Madira Girls), Lorna Faith (Butere Girls), Sheila Awuor Ouma (Kobala Secondary), Eunice Atieno Odemba (Kobala Secondary), Ephy Atieno Onyango (Kobala Secondary), Susan Akoth (Our Lady of Fatima), Jerrine Adhiambo (Madira Girls), Jane Njeri (Dandora Secondary), Velma Kaveza (Itigo Girls), Sheila Kaare Wanjiru (105 Nini Farm), Conny Anyego (Hoppy’s Girls Primary), Sheila Adongo (Wiyeta Girls), Erika Njeri (Kahuhia Girls), Rebecca Odato (Dagoretti Mixed).

Forwards: Mollviine Achieng Owour (KISPED), Elizabeth Mideva (Bishop Njenga), Fasila Adhiambo (Ulinzi Starlets FC), Immanuela Nafula (Sang’alo Institute), Valerie L Nekesa (Madira Girls), Ivy Chepkirui (Zetech FC), Winnie Wangeci (Moi Girls Nangili), Margaret Njeri (Falling Waters), Patience Kasichana (Dagoretti Mixed), Inna Akinyi (Fussball Naks Ladies), Margaret Aluoch Onyango (Kobala Secondary), Edna Wanda (Wiyeta Girls).