Harambee Starlets’ skipper Ruth Ingotsi has lauded the hosting of the CECAFA Women’s Challenge Cup, terming it as crucial for their preparations for the upcoming WAFCON ties.

The seasoned defender is expected to lead the team out during the regional tournament that kicks off on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Tanzania.

The tournament, which features teams from Central and East Africa, makes a return following a two-year hiatus.

Kenya seeks to bolster their preparations for the WAFCON 2026 qualifiers, where they await Gambia in the final round of qualification in October.

Starlets eliminated Tunisia in the previous round, and Ingotsi holds that the tourney can provide another springboard for good performance.

As part of its preparations for the continental qualifier showpiece, Starlets engaged in high profile friendlies, facing Morocco and Ivory Coast.

The Beldine Odemba-coached side slumped to a 5-1 drubbing from a highly-ranked Morocco in Tangier on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

The defeat was preceded by back-to-back losses to Ivory Coast in another test match.

“This tournament will help us bolster our preparations for the coming WAFCON games. If we can give it the best show and get ourselves ready for the continental games,” she stated.

The defender offered a snippet on the prevailing mood in the camp ahead of the regional test after the team held its first session this Wednesday.

“We held our first session today. The training was good, and the morale is there. I believe the team is ready for the games,” she stated.

Annedy Kundu has shared similar sentiments, tipping the team to achieve more cohesion.

“The tourney is crucial for us to build cohesiveness and teamwork as we prepare for WAFCON,” the Police Bullets custodian said.

Kenya will kick off their campaign on Saturday, June 14, 2025, against Burundi. 

Uganda’s Crested Cranes are the tournament’s reigning champions after winning the 2022 edition.

The Crested Cranes made their way through Group A, comprising of Rwanda, Burundi and Djibouti, before eliminating Ethiopia 1-0 in the semi-finals.

They humbled Burundi 3-1 in the final to clinch the regional gong.