Starlets’ historic WAFCON qualification crowns Odemba’s breakthrough year in coaching
With WAFCON qualification secured and a presidential honour to her name, Odemba’s impact now stretches beyond results. Her story has become one of belief, resilience and process, a foundation she hopes will carry Harambee Starlets, and Kenyan women’s football as a whole, to even greater heights.
Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has capped a landmark year in Kenyan women’s football.
This is after guiding the national team to qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and receiving a national honour from President William Ruto.
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Odemba led the Starlets to a commanding 4-1 aggregate victory over Gambia, ending a near-decade-long absence from the continental showpiece, with Kenya last qualifying in 2016.
It marked a historic achievement, making Odemba the first female coach to steer the Starlets to WAFCON qualification.
Speaking after being honoured during Jamhuri Day, Odemba admitted the recognition came as a surprise.
“I didn’t expect to be honoured by the President. I was asked for a few details and gave them, but I brushed it off because it had happened before,” she said during an interview on SportOn. “I hope it inspires other generations of women playing football, coaches and referees as well.”
She was awarded the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) in recognition of her exceptional leadership and contribution to Kenyan football.
Odemba described the qualification as the perfect way to end the year, both professionally and personally.
“It couldn’t have been more perfect. It’s a perfect way to end the year. At least I have something to celebrate and a lot of pats on my back,” she said, thanking God, the President, the Ministry of Sports and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for their support.
Since her appointment in September 2023, Odemba has overseen a clear transformation of the Starlets into a more disciplined, united and competitive side on the continental stage.
Central to her success, Odemba insists, is patience and belief in long-term development rather than instant results.
“Most Kenyans and football fans want to start today and win today. I believe in process,” she explained. “When we start something, it takes time. It grows slowly but steadily, so that even when I’m not there, and another coach comes in, there’s a foundation.”
She acknowledged early criticism and pressure but maintained that building sustainable structures was always her priority.
Odemba’s journey with the Starlets began under intense circumstances, taking charge just weeks before a crucial qualifier against African powerhouse Cameroon.
“I couldn’t believe it. We had less than two weeks before playing Cameroon,” she recalled.
Against expectations, Kenya drew away in Douala and later eliminated Cameroon on penalties at home.
However, a subsequent loss to Botswana exposed off-the-pitch challenges that forced Odemba to reassess the team’s mental and psychological readiness.
“It wasn’t tactical. It wasn’t on the pitch. It was something off the pitch,” she said, noting that a lack of competitive activity for nearly a year made rebuilding even more difficult.
The coach has also spoken candidly about dealing with criticism, particularly on social media.
“If you don’t want to be criticised, don’t do anything,” Odemba said, recalling how harsh comments once moved her to tears. Over time, she learned to filter feedback, focus on what builds her and guide her players to do the same.
“Many people have been broken by criticism, but you must pick what helps you grow and discard the rest,” she said, adding that public debate, however intense, reflects the passion Kenyans have for football.
Beyond the national team, Odemba has been a strong advocate for the local women’s league, which she believes is rich in talent but starved of resources. She defended her preference for calling up locally based players, insisting quality exists at home.
“First of all, we have a strong women’s league,” she said. “We have good quality and competition, but we have no funds. I cry to the Ministry of Sports and FKF stakeholders to help us monetise this game, especially women’s football.”
Odemba believes proper investment could even attract foreign players to Kenya in the future.
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