Coach Beldine upbeat as Harambee Starlets’ date with destiny nears
By Vincent Voiyoh, September 15, 2023
The Kenya National Women’s Football team Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba says she has no pressure whatsoever in handling the team ahead of the crucial African Women’s Cup of Nations against Cameroon later this month.
It is the first time for coach Odemba at the reigns of the senior national team but she is not new in the coaching realm having taken care of the junior Starlets three months ago.She has also been at the helm of Highway Secondary and currently coaching the newly founded Kenya Police Bullets.
When she was asked if she is under any pressure to deliver Starlets to the promised land,she replied
“No, I am not under any pressure.This job is like that and I am ready for the challenge ahead”, Odemba said.
Harambee Starlets will begin the vital qualifiers away to Cameroon on September 22 with the return set for September 26 in Nairobi at the Nyayo Stadium.
Starlets began their preparations on Monday with huge part of the players in the camp being those playing in the local league.
Some of the foreign based players who have reported to camp include goalkeepers Annette Kundu and Caroline Rufa.\
Dependable centre-back Ruth Ingosi who plays for Simba Sports Club in Tanzania also reported to camp and featured entirely in the friendly match against Police Bullets on Wednesday afternoon with Starlets winning 1-0.
The team received a major boost with the arrival of midfielders Corazone Aquino and Mercyline Onyango as well as forwards Topister Situma,Terry Engesha and Elizabeth Wambui.
Striker Violet Nanjala,left-back Enez Mango,right-back Wincate Kaari were all due to arrive today and tomorrow respectively.
Some late arrivals at the Starlets could include key players of Jentrix Shikangwa,Esse Akida, Mwanahalima Dogo Adam and Vivian Nasaka.
“The training has been for the last four days,all the departments have been working well and we are glad that everything is taking shape as we prep for the task ahead,” Odemba.
Harambee Starlets is set to jet out of the country on Wednesday for the Yaounde assignment.