Sports

Corazon Aquino explains absence from Harambee Starlets squad for CECAFA

Friday 13th June, 2025 03:13 PM| By Luke Oluoch

Harambee Starlets midfielder Corazon Aquino has broken her silence following her exclusion from the team set for the 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship in Tanzania.

Despite being named in the initial 23-player squad, both Corazone Aquino and Elizabeth Wambui failed to show up in the Starlets camp ahead of the tournament, resulting in their exclusion on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

Aquino took to her social media page on Friday, June 13, 2025, to clarify her absence from the national team.

Corazon Aquino’s statement on her absence from Harambee Starlets’ squad. PHOTO/A screengrab of Corazon Aquino’s post on facebook/https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BjSDAFZjC/

According to the midfielder, who also doubles as Harambee Stars vice-captain, her absence was necessitated by other personal commitments.

Personal commitment

She remains adamant that her absence was never by design, stating that she would never pass up a call-up to represent her country.

“I wanted to take a moment to address the information circulating regarding my absence from the national team. It’s important for me to clarify that I have never missed a call-up for my beloved country, Kenya, since I started playing,” a statement from the player read.

Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba puts across a point during Starlets training session. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/HarambeeStarlets/photos_by

While appealing for understanding, the Simba Queens star has reiterated her commitment to represent Kenya in the future assignments.

“While I did miss this recent opportunity, it was due to personal reasons that require my immediate attention. Please understand that my love for Kenya remains strong, and I will continue to be available to represent our nation once I have resolved my current issues. Thank you for your understanding and support,” her parting shot read.

WAFCON Preparations

In an updated list unveiled by CECAFA on Friday, June 13, 2025, Aquino and Wambui were both expunged, with coach Beldina Odemba forced to work with a 20-woman list.

Kenya will face Burundi in their opening fixture on Saturday, June 14, 2025.

Harambee Starlets players receiving instructions during the clash against Tunisia. PHOTO/ @StarletsKE

The tournament will serve as a crucial build-up to the 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final round qualifier against Gambia.

Starlets will face off against the Gambians in October as they aim to return to the continental stage for the first time since making their debut in 2016.

Speaking ahead of the games, skipper Ruth Ingotsi exuded optimism that the tournament would provide the perfect platform for preparations for their continental bid.

“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.