- Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba is pleased with the talent showcased during the mini-camp for locally based players.
- The camp, which ran from February 1 to 6, served as a key scouting platform for domestic talent capable of strengthening the squad ahead of WAFCON 2026.
- Odemba has urged the federation to organize more mini-camps to identify and develop additional talent.
Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has revealed she is pleased with the level of quality on display during the mini-camp for locally based players as preparations intensify for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026).
The camp, which has been running from February 1-6, include a crucial scouting period for domestic talent capable of bolstering the squad ahead of the country’s second appearance at the continental showpiece, scheduled for March 17 to April 3, 2026.
Speaking on Thursday, February 5, during a training session, Odemba explained that the purpose of the mini-camp was to provide locally-based players an opportunity to showcase their abilities and allow for talent identification.
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Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba lauds local players after impressive mini-camp
The reason we decided to organize this mini-camp was to give players in the local league a chance, especially those who are performing well. We would have loved to see even more players, but we are happy with what we have seen so far. There is quality, although there is still work to be done,” she said.
Having been impressed with the players’ standard, Odemba also highlighted one National Super League player who caught her attention, expressing hope that more talent will emerge from the lower division.
I’m pleased we have a player from the National Super League, and I’m glad she is performing well and has shown capability. I hope the lower leagues will continue to provide us with good quality,” she stated.
She also praised the competitiveness of the women’s league, saying it has been encouraging to watch the players rise to the challenge.
“The top tier league is very competitive; the ladies are doing well and have given us something to work with. I hope by the end of this camp we will have identified a solid group.”
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The former Kenya Police Bullets head coach urged the federation to organize more frequent mini-camps not only ahead of major tournaments, but regularly, to bring players together, scout emerging talent, and build a cohesive philosophy.
Mini-camps are very important, not just ahead of major events. It would be beneficial if this became a continuous process, almost a culture, with many camps so we can evaluate more talented local players.
We bring them into camp, assemble them, and start building a philosophy for the women’s national team. That way, players understand what is required and can integrate more easily into the national setup.”
This preparation follows the official tournament draw held in Rabat on January 15, which placed Kenya in a daunting Group A.
The Starlets are set to face hosts Morocco, West African powerhouses Senegal, and Algeria in what has already been dubbed the “Group of Death.”
Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals.
The stakes are high for WAFCON 2026, which will serve as the official qualifying pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with all four semi-finalists earning an automatic ticket to the global stage.
Harambee Starlets Full Squad
Goalkeepers
Annedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets), Vivian Shiyonzo (Kibera Soccer Women), Juliet Adhiambo (Trinity Starlets)
Defenders
Mary Majeso (Kibera Soccer Women), Ruth Khasoha (Vihiga Queens), Sheryl Muyera (Zetech Sparks), Diana Shakava (Ulinzi Starlets), Elizabeth Muteshi (Trinity Starlets), Mercyline Mejor (Trinity Starlets), Euphraiser Shilwatso (Kayole Starlet), Mirriam Chelagat (Bungoma Queens)
Midfielders
Medina Abubakar (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorna Nyabuto (Kenya Police Bullets), Providence Mukalo (Vihiga Queens), Centrine Ngasi (Trinity Starlets), Lucy Nato (Ulinzi Starlets)
Forwards
Anna Arusi (Kibera Soccer Women), Faith Mboya (Kenya Police), Linda Kihara (Kayole Starlet), Shaline Nambengele (Ulinzi Starlets), Catherine Khaemba (Bungoma Queens), Purity Akinyi (Shabana Starlets), Airin Madalina (Vihiga Queens)