Cabinet Secretary of Sports Kipchumba Murkomen has challenged Harambee Starlets to go out and fight for honours in Turkey during the Pink Ladies Cup tournament.
Starlets, who jetted out to Antalya, Turkey, on Monday, October 21, 2024, are taking part in the tournament, which is set to commence on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
In a statement on X, Murkomen indicated that the tournament will help Harambee Starlets players gain more experience and push them to gain much-needed exposure on the global stage.
“Join me in wishing Harambee Starlets all the best in the Pink Ladies Cup tournament that’s kicking off today in Turkey. A great use of the international break to gain exposure and showcase our talents at a higher level,” Murkomen’s message read in part.
“Come on, Starlets, let’s fight for honours,” he added.
Coach Beldine Odemba’s side will open their campaign against Chinese Taipei on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
Odemba raised eyebrows after leaving out big names for the upcoming Pink Ladies Cup scheduled to take place from October 22 to 31, 2024.
Some of the big names who missed from the squad unveiled by Odemba included Marjolene Nekesa, Corazon Aquino, Jentrix Shikangwa, Mwanahalima Jereko, Esse Akida, and Terry Engesha, have been left out of the squad for this tournament.
However, Odemba has put her trust in both local and fast-rising young players plying their trade outside the country. Notable names in the squad include Simba SC striker Elizabeth Mutukiza who is expected to lead Odemba’s striking line in the tournament.
Robby Maxmilla, Lydia Akoth, Lorna Nyarinda and Fasila Adhiambo are other names expected to light up the tournament.
The tournament, which will feature four nations—Kenya, Russia, Chinese Taipei and the Philippines—marks an important opportunity for the Starlets to return to international competition after a period of inactivity.
Starlets have been inactive for months following their elimination from the 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifiers.
How we line up
— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) October 23, 2024
🏆 Pink Ladies Cup
Chinese Taipei 🆚 Kenya
⏰ 4pm
🏟 Emirhan Stadium
📺 LIVE on Harambee Starlets Facebook page
🔗 Harambee Starlets page link 👉 https://t.co/t5VogcvJ76#HarambeeStarlets pic.twitter.com/nwHGI7H59X
Fixtures
October 23, 2024: Chinese Taipei vs. Kenya (Emirhan Stadium, 4 pm)
October 26, 2024: Russia vs. Kenya (Emirhan Stadium, 7 pm)
October 30, 2024: Philippines vs. Kenya (Emirhan Stadium, 4 pm)
Full squad
Goalkeepers: Annedy Kundu, Judith Osimbo
Defenders: Fanis Kwamboka, Mollyne Akinyi, Vivian Nasaka, Ruth Ingosi, Lavender Akinyi, Wincate Kaari, Norah Ann
Midfielders: Providence Khasiala, Lydia Akoth, Lorna Nyarinda, Fasila Adhiambo, Robby Maxmilla
Forwards: Elizabeth Mutukiza, Anna Arusi, Elizabeth Mideva, Rebecca Okwaro, Lucy Kwekwe, Purity Alukwe, Achieng Beverline
