Coach Odemba’s final preparations for crucial clash
By Vincent Voiyoh, November 27, 2023
Harambee Starlets’ camp at the Kasarani Stadium is expected to be full-house today with the arrival of the last batch of foreign-based players.
The players scheduled to arrive today include dependable goalkeeper Annedy Kundu, forward Violet Nanjala, Vivian Nasaka, Enez Mango, Dorcas Shikobe, Cyntia Shilwatso, Mwanahalima Dogo Adam, and striker Terry Engesha.
Uncertainty has surrounded the availability of China-based left-footed forward Jentrix Shikangwa, who ruled herself out of the Botswana tie last Wednesday via a social media post, claiming she sustained an injury while training with her team Beijing Jingtang FC.
Starlets’ technical bench was keen to bring Shikangwa home for assessment by the team’s medical staff to evaluate the nature of the injury.
While that could have dented coach Beldine Odemba’s plans for the crucial Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers against the Zebras, the team received a major boost with the arrival of Marjolen Nekesa, who features in the UEFA Women’s Champions League with Czech Republic’s Slavia Praha. Nekesa, who missed Kenya’s previous assignment against Cameroon last September, says qualifying for WAFCON next year in Morocco will be of great significance to the country in terms of player exposure.
“So far, the camp has been great, the mood is amazing, and all the players and coaches are ready to face Botswana.
“Qualifying for the African Cup of Nations will be a good opportunity for our country, the players, and the technical bench.
It is an opportunity for exposure and a chance to qualify for the World Cup. Let the fans come out in large numbers to give us the needed support; we will not disappoint them,” Nekesa told People Sport.
Defender Phoebe Owiti, who plays in India for Gokulam Kerala, also joined the team and took part in Saturday and Sunday training sessions.
“We are more than ready to face our opponents. Everyone is positive, there is a huge morale in the camp, and we are optimistic about getting the desired results to qualify for the WAFCON,” Owiti remarked.
Kenya’s opponents, Botswana, were due to arrive in the country last night for the first leg encounter at Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday, with the kick-off set for 3pm.
Coach Odemba is set to trim her squad to 23 players tomorrow before the final training at the match-day venue.