Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has unveiled a 31-player provisional squad for the inaugural FIFA Women’s Series set to take place in Nairobi from April 11 to 15, 2026, in what promises to be a crucial preparatory tournament ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Kenya will host the four-nation tournament at Nyayo National Stadium, welcoming Australia, India, and Malawi in a competition designed to give teams exposure to different styles of play and competitive international football.
The selected players are expected to report to camp on Wednesday, April 1, as the technical bench begins fine-tuning the squad for the upcoming assignments.
The tournament presents a significant opportunity for Harambee Starlets to test their squad depth and tactical discipline against strong opposition.
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Harambee Starlets name provisional squad for inaugural FIFA Women’s Series
Australia head into the competition ranked 15th in the world, India sit 67th, Malawi are ranked 153rd, while Kenya currently occupy position 134 in the FIFA rankings.
The disparity in rankings highlights the magnitude of the challenge awaiting Odemba’s side, but also underscores the value of the tournament in sharpening the team ahead of WAFCON.
Among the standout inclusions in the provisional squad is Marion Serenge, who has earned her maiden senior national team call-up following impressive performances at club level.
The former Junior Starlets player, who featured in the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, has been in fine form for St. Noa FC in Uganda, scoring six goals in five matches to catch the attention of the national team selectors.
Her inclusion signals a continued commitment by the technical bench to integrate young and promising talent into the senior team setup.
Terry Engesha also returns to the national fold after rediscovering her form at Kenya Police Bullets, while Mercy Airo has been rewarded for her consistent performances with Ulinzi Starlets.
Their return adds experience and competition in the midfield department, which will be crucial in controlling matches against technically gifted opponents like Australia and India.
Speaking about the tournament, head coach Beldine Odemba emphasized the importance of the FIFA Women’s Series in the team’s preparations for WAFCON.
“We are looking forward to the FIFA Women’s Series as an important part of our preparations for WAFCON. Playing against teams with different styles and strong international experience will help us assess the progress we have made and identify areas we need to improve,” Odemba said.
The tournament will kick off on April 11, with Australia facing Malawi at 2:00 pm before Harambee Starlets take on India at 6:00 pm at Nyayo National Stadium. The competition will then conclude on April 15 with the third-place playoff scheduled for 2:00 pm and the final set for 6:00 pm.
With WAFCON 2026 scheduled to run from July 25 to August 16 in Morocco, the FIFA Women’s Series offers Harambee Starlets a timely platform to build chemistry, evaluate combinations, and strengthen their tactical approach. Hosting the tournament in Nairobi also gives the team a home advantage and an opportunity to rally local support as they continue their journey toward continental success.
As preparations gather momentum, all eyes will be on Odemba’s squad selection and the team’s performance, with the FIFA Women’s Series expected to set the tone for Harambee Starlets’ WAFCON ambitions.
Harambee Stars Provisional Squad For FIFA Women’s Series
GOALKEEPERS: Lilian Awuor (Farul Constanta, Romania), Annedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets), Lilian Adhiambo (Trinity Starlets)
Defenders: Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Norah Ann (Kenya Police Bullets), Elizabeth Ochaka (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorine Ilavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Euphrasier Shilwatso (Kayole Starlet),Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor, Turkey), Janet Mumo (Kibera Soccer Women), Elizabeth Muteshi (Trinity Starlets), Alice Mideri (Vihiga Queens), Leah Andiema (Kenya Police Bullets), Enez Mango (Farul Constanta, Romania)
Midfielders: Mwanalima Adam (HB Koge, Denmark), Fasila Adhiambo (Simba Queens), Martha Amunyolete (Vihiga Queens), Mercy Airo (Ulinzi Starlets), Airin Madalina (Vihiga Queens), Vidah Sharon (Kenya Police Bullets), Terry Engesha (Kenya Police Bullets),Lorna Nyarinda (Kenya Police Bullets)
Forwards: Elizabeth Mideva (Ulinzi Starlets), Shaline Nambengele (Ulinzi Starlets), Eglay Mukhwana (Trinity Starlets), Shirleen Opisa (Amus College, Uganda), Marion Serenge (St. Noah, Uganda), Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens), Valerie Nekesa( Soccer Assassins), Linda Kihara (Kayole Starlet), Jentrix Shikangwa (Simba Queens)