Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba receives a state award
By Joel Masibo, December 12, 2025Kenya’s Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has been honoured with one of Kenya’s highest national awards, the Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS), by President William Ruto at State House in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Kenyan football.
The prestigious award follows her remarkable achievement in guiding the Kenyan women’s national football team to qualification for the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026).
The tactician was feted on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the extension of Jamhuri Day Celebrations.
WAFCON success
Odemba’s leadership proved instrumental in ending a prolonged nine-year absence from Africa’s premier women’s football championship, securing Kenya’s return to the WAFCON stage for the first time since 2016.
The Starlets clinched qualification through a series of impressive performances, including aggregate victories over Tunisia and Gambia in the final rounds of qualifying matches.
Since she was appointed head coach of the senior national team in September 2023, Odemba has transformed the Harambee Starlets into a more competitive unit on the continental scene.
Her tactical understanding, motivational leadership, and emphasis on discipline and unity helped Kenya secure a 4-1 aggregate win over Gambia in October 2025, a result that booked their ticket to the upcoming WAFCON tournament in Morocco.
Odemba’s legacy
In addition to her national team duties, Odemba is widely respected within Kenyan football for her broader contribution to the sport. She has coached multiple teams at various levels, including taking Kenya Police Bullets to an unbeaten season and a top-flight league title in the Kenya Women’s Premier League.
She also leads the U-20 national women’s team (Rising Starlets) and has played an active role in youth development and club football.
Earlier in 2025, Odemba’s achievements were recognised when she was named Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Coach of the Month for October, an award that celebrated her role in steering the Starlets back onto the continental stage.
The Moran of the Burning Spear, awarded by the President, is one of the nation’s highest honours and underscores the importance of Odemba’s impact not only on sport but also on national pride. Her recognition reflects growing appreciation for women’s football in Kenya.
Looking ahead, Odemba and the Harambee Starlets will prepare for the 2026 WAFCON tournament, aiming to compete strongly against Africa’s top teams. The honour from the president adds to the momentum behind Kenyan women’s football as it continues building on recent historic successes.