Coach Beldine Odemba says Kenya Police Bullets fired up for Kampala Queens clash

Kenya Police Bullets are primed for a big start as they face Uganda’s Kampala Queens in the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers opener at Nyayo Stadium on Thursday at 4:00 pm.

Head coach Beldine Odemba has underlined that the Bullets’ mission is clear, nothing short of going all the way.

Addressing the press on Wednesday, Odemba struck a confident but measured tone as she reflected on her team’s preparations and expectations.

“Even in the previous editions, our target was always to win. We came close last year as finalists, but now we must emerge as champions. We are not just here to participate, we are here to compete, to fight, and to win,” she declared.

The Bullets, who have steadily grown into one of the strongest women’s football sides in East Africa, enter this year’s qualifiers with added motivation.

Last year’s heartbreak in the final against Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) still lingers, and Odemba insists that the experience has only hardened her players.

“We lost narrowly to CBE, but that defeat made us stronger. We learned our lessons, and we can only make it better this time,” she said.

The coach revealed that her squad has had six weeks of uninterrupted preparation since winning the FKF Women’s Premier League, giving her technical bench time to sharpen tactics and integrate new players.

However, Odemba confirmed that three first-team players are nursing injuries and will not be available for the opening match.

“Some of our players are carrying knocks, and unfortunately, three key players won’t feature tomorrow, but overall, we are ready. The new additions have brought energy and depth, and they will be crucial for us,” she explained.

Odemba is also mindful of the challenge Kampala Queens and Eritrea’s Denden FC, both in Group A, pose. “Every team here is a champion in its own right, so there are no easy matches.

Kampala Queens are organised, and Denden have quality, but our job is to play better, stay disciplined, and collect points. We must defend strongly and ensure that if we concede, we respond by scoring more,” she said.

The Bullets’ philosophy under Odemba has been one of resilience and ambition, built on teamwork and belief. With home support behind them at Nyayo Stadium, the coach believes her side has an edge.

Captain Annedy Kundu echoed that call, rallying fans to turn up in large numbers. “I urge fans to come and support us just like they support Harambee Stars. We are confident of winning the tournament, especially now that we are on home ground,” she said.

The CECAFA Women’s Champions League Qualifiers have become an important stage for showcasing the progress of women’s football in the region, and for Kenya Police Bullets, it represents both pride and opportunity. Having reached the final in Ethiopia, the Bullets are determined not just to match that achievement but to surpass it.

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For Odemba, the message is clear: the Bullets must seize the moment. “We have prepared, we have quality, and we have belief. Now it’s time to deliver on the pitch.”