Harambee Starlets tactician Odemba scoops SJAK Coach of the Month after WAFCON qualification
Odemba guided the Harambee Starlets to a historic second qualification for the 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Kenya's national women’s football team head coach, Beldine Odemba, has been named the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Coach of the Month for October 2025, following her instrumental role in guiding the Harambee Starlets to a historic second qualification for the 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The Starlets sealed their WAFCON spot after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Gambia in the second leg of the third round at Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal, completing a 4-1 aggregate triumph following a 3-1 win in Nairobi four days earlier. Just two years into her tenure, Odemba’s leadership and tactical expertise were pivotal to the team’s success.
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Kenya’s journey to Morocco was marked by resilience. In the previous round, the Starlets edged out Tunisia, earning a crucial 1-0 away win after a draw in Nairobi. Goalkeeper Lilian Awuor played a key role, saving two penalties to keep Kenya’s WAFCON hopes alive.
Odemba’s coaching excellence was recognised with a unanimous vote by the SJAK panel, beating a competitive field that included Kevin "Bling" Wambua (Shujaa coach), Musa Benjamin (national boxing tactician), Nicholas Muyoti (Nairobi United FC), hockey’s Meshack Senge, Simon Odongo (Lionesses Rugby coach), and national triathlon coach Camilla Lydya.
Wambua, who won the award in September 2023, led Shujaa to retaining the 2025 Safari Sevens Rugby title at Nyayo, while Senge, the national women's hockey team coach (Blades), led his side to a bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations held in Ismailia, Egypt.
“Coach Odemba's unanimous win is a testament to her outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. She's a true champion who has brought pride to Kenya after a long hiatus,” said SJAK Panel Chairman Abuller Ahmed.
Odemba, visibly delighted, thanked the organisers and sponsors of the award.
“We've waited for this moment for a long time. The girls displayed great character and heart every step of the way. It hasn't been easy, but we stayed focused and believed in our goal, to bring Kenya back to the WAFCON stage," said Odemba, who now turns her focus to the 2026 WAFCON in North Africa.
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