Beldine Odemba has reflected on the bigger picture after Harambee Starlets' CECAFA run, hinting at long-term plans for the team's future.
Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba has disclosed the importance of giving young players a chance, starting from the 2025 CECAFA Women’s Senior Championship.
Beldine Odemba incorporated several new faces in the squad that was in action at the regional tournament, and has defended the reason behind the move.
One of the players who stood out is Medina Abubakar, who also plays as a midfielder for Kibera Soccer Women FC.
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Costly Own Goal Shatters Harambee Starlets CECAFA Title Dreams in Final Against Tanzania
A narrow loss in the final saw Harambee Starlets miss out on the CECAFA title in dramatic fashion.
Beldine Odemba on Bringing New Players into Harambee Starlets Squad
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Speaking after Harambee Starlets' 1-0 loss to Tanzania’s Twiga Stars in the final of the tournament, Beldine Odemba noted that the young players are the future of the national team.
The Kenya Police Bullets coach pointed out that at the moment, they have the energy and the will to play and represent the country.
Beldine Odemba added that Harambee Starlets are looking to qualify for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations and, hopefully, the 2027 World Cup, and they need to have the young players to achieve that.
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Harambee Starlets Player Ratings: Who Impressed and Who Disappointed in CECAFA Final Loss to Tanzania?
Harambee Starlets were subjected to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Tanzania during the CECAFA Women's Championship final. Who shone and who struggled for Beldine Odemba's charges?
“Those young players are the future of Harambee Starlets. If we want to qualify for the 2026 WAFCON and the World Cup, we also have to look at these young players,” Beldine Odemba said.
“These youngsters have the zeal to play and represent the country. The ones that we have given an opportunity in this CECAFA have proven that they are capable, and with enough training, they will make Kenya proud.”
At the just-concluded CECAFA Women’s Senior Championship, Harambee Starlets oozed class in their first three matches before Tanzania denied them the golden opportunity to walk away with the trophy.
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Posta Rangers Coach Sets High Bar for Harambee Stars and Benni McCarthy Before CHAN
Sammy 'Pamzo' Omollo has thrown down the gauntlet to Benni McCarthy and Harambee Stars ahead of CHAN.
Harambee Starlets were off to a great start, winning 3-0 in their match over Burundi on Sunday, June 15. The Starlets continued the hot streak to their second match, where they silenced Uganda, the Crested Cranes, 4-0 on Tuesday, June 17.
Harambee Starlets then showcased a dominant display over South Sudan, as they controlled the game and won 4-0 on Thursday, June 19.
Harambee Starlets now shift their focus to the WAFCON final qualifying round against Gambia, with the matches set to be played in October.