Coach Odemba: President Ruto’s Support Key to Starlets’ WAFCON Qualification Push
The Starlets will play the second leg on Tuesday at Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal, since The Gambia lacks a FIFA-approved stadium
Odemba views this as a huge advantage for Kenya, citing the neutral ground provides them an equal chance to qualify. Photo/courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba believes the Presidential financial reward by President William Ruto will serve as a massive boost of motivation to the team as they prepare for their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying bid. A mere 90 minutes separate the Kenyan outfit from a comeback to the continental stage, and the team is preparing for the do-or-die second leg fixture against The Gambia on Tuesday evening.
Following the Starlets’ 3–1 thrashing of The Gambia in the WAFCON qualifiers first leg at the Nyayo National Stadium, President Ruto rewarded the team with Ksh 10 million. He had initially rewarded them with Ksh 5 million before the match as a motivational token and promised an additional Ksh 5 million for a victory at home. In addition, the Head of State pledged Ksh 1 million to each player if the team qualifies for WAFCON and Ksh 500,000 each if they draw.
Coach Odemba was pleased with the gesture, saying it would be a big source of motivation for his team. “This was not part of our initial preparation, but motivation always has a good impact. Players perform their best when they know that there is something solid to play for, and even more so if it is coming from the President himself,” Odemba commented.
The Starlets will play the second leg on Tuesday at Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal, since The Gambia lacks a FIFA-approved stadium. Odemba views this as a huge advantage for Kenya, citing the neutral ground provides them an equal chance to qualify.
She also believed in her squad’s blend of youthfulness and experience, stating that having three players who participated at the 2016 WAFCON in the team offers great leadership and insight. “In order to elevate yourself to be champions, you must have champions among you. Those who were at WAFCON 2016 have been guiding the rest, sharing with them their experiences and reminding them why it is important to qualify. It’s encouraging the rest of the team to give their all,” she added.
Kenya needs just a draw of any kind to reach the continental tournament for the first time in seven years. The 2026 WAFCON is scheduled for Morocco from March 17 to April 3, and Odemba is confident that with determination, teamwork, and presidential patronage, the Harambee Starlets will seal their place amongst Africa’s elite teams once again.
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