Harambee starlets can conquer the world with the right support - Assistant Coach Oduor
Harambee Starlets assistant coach Godfrey Oduor believes Kenya has what it takes to reach the global stage in women’s football if given the right support. His remarks came after the Starlets thrashed Uganda 4-0 at the CECAFA Women's Championship, where he praised the team's depth and called for greater investment in the women’s game across the region.
Harambee Starlets assistant coach Godfrey Oduor has expressed confidence that Kenya has the potential to conquer the world in women's football, if the players receive the right backing.
Speaking after the Starlets' dominant 4-0 victory over Uganda's Crested Cranes at the CECAFA Women's Championship in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Tuesday, Oduor praised the immense talent within the squad, calling for greater investment in women football.
More To Read
- Harambee Starlets fall to Tanzania in CECAFA final
- Harambee Starlets face Tanzania in CECAFA final showdown
- Harambee Starlets sweep aside South Sudan to stay perfect at CECAFA
- Harambee Starlets eye another big win against struggling South Sudan
- CECAFA showdown: Harambee Starlets eyeing glory as they gear to face Uganda's Crested Cranes
- Harambee Starlets sink Burundi to open CECAFA title hunt in style
First-half goals by Daina Wacera, Dorcas Shikobe, and Violet Wanjala, along with a second-half strike by Martha Amunyolet, were enough to secure victory for the Starlets in the Migingo Derby.
According to Oduor, with proper backing and consistent development, the women's team could achieve global success and elevate the profile of East and Central African football.
"The growth is really impressive. We need to put our heads together as stakeholders and embrace women football and support them because they have huge talent," he said.
"If they are supported well enough, even more than the men, I am sure we will conquer the world."
Oduor also floated the idea of forming a CECAFA select team comprising the region's top players to compete against sides from the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) and the Union of North African Football (UNAF).
"South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya all have good players. I just wish we could have a CECAFA select team to showcase the quality we have in East and Central Africa," he said.
Looking ahead to Kenya's next fixture against South Sudan on Thursday at the Azam Sports Complex, Oduor hinted at possible changes to the starting lineup, citing the need to manage player workload in line with the tournament's schedule.
In the clash against Uganda, head coach Beldine Odemba opted for a refreshed lineup, making six changes from the team that secured a 3-0 win over Burundi on Sunday.
In goal, Lilian Awuor stepped in for Annedy Kundu, while the backline saw the introduction of Vivian Nasaka, Enez Mango and Ruth Ingosi in place of Elizabeth Ochaka, Tabitha Amoit and Alice Mideri.
The midfield trio of Diana Wacera, Violet Nanjala and Martha Amunyolet kept their spots, but Lavender Akinyi and Fasilah Adhiambo were brought in to replace Emily Morang'a and Medina Abubakar.
Upfront, Tumaini Waliaula and Violet Nanjala maintained their positions in the attacking setup.
"We have 19 players and play a match every two days, so it's wise to give all players the opportunity to play," Oduor said.
"The squad depth at the moment is not satisfactory. Some players who featured in the last match still had to play today, which shows we need more depth."
Kenya's final match in the tournament will be against Tanzania at the Azam Sports Complex on June 22.
"Our focus is on South Sudan and not Tanzania. When the time comes for Tanzania we will be ready," Oduor said.
Top Stories Today
