Near full house as Starlets step up preps for Cameroon
By Vincent Voiyoh, September 18, 2023
Harambee Starlets training camp is expected to be full house today after the arrival of dependable figures of Esse Akida, Mwanahalima Dogo Adam, Vivian Nasaka and Enez Mango ahead of the crucial first leg tie of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers against Cameroon on Friday in Douala.
The national women’s team received a major boost as super striker Jentrix Shikangwa of Beijing Jingtang FC and her football ‘twin’ Violet Nanjala (Laayoune FC) jetted in the country and joined the rest of the team in camp on Friday and Saturday respectively.
Tanzania-based defender Wincate Kaari who plays for Yanga Princes has also reported to camp, increasing coach Beldine Odemba’s defensive options.
Simba Queens midfielder Corazone Aquino has labeled Starlets as underdogs going into the monumental fixture against Cameroon who are four time finalists in the African women’s premier competition.
“For sure Cameroon are African football giants and at this moment we are the under dogs but football across the world has changed and anything can happen. We just need to focus and pray as we head into the battle.
“We expect a tough opposition, we are going away and that means we need to push ourselves to get the desired result there and then we finis business back at home next week,” Aquino said.
Aquino also delved into the importance of these AWCON Qualifiers noting that as a unit they need to give their all to avoid being in the cold without international football due to early elimination.
“Every country wants to go to the African Cup of Nations including Kenya and that means the competition is high. The way a team shows character and the hunger for success matters a lot. We have to push ourselves to the last breath so that we qualify and failure will mean we can stay in the cold for long before another international competition.
“As Kenyans we are known for our hard work and this is what we are promising to do, we will show our real character to get the needed results. Personally I am ready for the task ahead, to fight for my country and the team as whole is psyched ahead of the game and we pledge to deliver a good show for the country”, Aquino added.
Coach Beldine Odemba is expected to name her 23 final travelling squad today after and the team will jet out tomorrow ahead of the Friday evening assignment at the Stade De La Reunification in Douala, western Cameroon.