Odemba confident as Starlets begin camp ahead of WAFCON qualifiers

Harambee Starlets celebrate a goal against Philippines (C) FKF Media

By Erick Kariuki
Monday, February 10, 2025

Harambee Starlets have begun their preparations for the upcoming WAFCON qualifiers against Tunisia, with 21 players already in camp. Coach Beldine Odemba remains confident in her squad, highlighting fresh talent such as Faith Mboya and Elizabeth Ochaka as key additions. With Tunisia ranked significantly higher, Odemba is keen on sharpening her team’s attack while ensuring defensive stability.

Six days after naming a 36-player provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Tunisia, Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba now has 21 players in camp. This number is expected to rise to 26 by tomorrow, with the remaining 10 set to join once the FIFA window opens.

"The team is in camp, and we already have 21 players. I'm expecting 26 by tomorrow or by the next session. Five more are still on their way, so by then, we should have 26. The remaining 10 will join after the FIFA window opens," Odemba confirmed.

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Odemba expressed confidence in the new players, praising their playmaking and goal-scoring abilities. She singled out Faith Mboya as a standout performer, noting her impressive scoring record in the National Super League (NSL).

"We have 11 new players, all of whom I have watched multiple times in league action. They are key playmakers and top scorers for their respective teams. One example is Faith Mboya from Kibra Girls Soccer, who scored 15 goals in just half a season in the NSL."

The coach further lauded Mboya’s attacking instincts and fighting spirit.

"She has already scored seven goals in just two Women's Premier League matches. She’s a natural scorer, a go-getter, and a fighter in front of goal. We need players like her to boost our attacking options and push our strikers to be more clinical."

Odemba reiterated her long-term vision of creating a strong player pipeline by integrating young talents into the squad. She highlighted the inclusion of players such as Elizabeth Ochaka, who has played at the Under-17 World Cup, as a significant advantage.

"I've said time and again that we're building a conveyor belt for talent. Every time we introduce young players into camp, we prepare them for future assignments. Ochaka, for instance, has played at the highest level in her age group, and she’s already proving to be a valuable addition in the Premier League."

While Odemba declined to reveal specific tactical plans, she emphasised the importance of securing goals in their home leg while maintaining defensive solidity.

"I won't disclose my main focus, but playing at home means we must attack more and make sure we score. At the same time, we need to be solid at the back and avoid conceding."

She acknowledged Tunisia’s higher FIFA ranking but remained optimistic about the team’s preparations.

"Tunisia is ranked 51st, nearly 100 places above us, largely because they play in every FIFA window. But when we get our opportunities, we take them. We’re ready to give them a real test."