‘Crossing My Fingers’ - Austria-Based Forward Issues Come Get Me Plea to Harambee Starlets Coach

Sylvia Makungu (right)is hoping to get back into the Harambee Starlets team. Photo: Sylvia Makungu Facebook

‘Crossing My Fingers’ - Austria-Based Forward Issues Come Get Me Plea to Harambee Starlets Coach

Joel Omotto 00:58 - 08.06.2025

The Harambee Starlets forward has made herself available for selection to the national team after enjoying a stellar campaign with her Austrian club.

With her team struggling to score goals in their recent matches, Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba’s secret could lie in a player who has not got a run into the side.

Starlets have scored two goals in their last five matches, one of them coming during the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tunisia, which they won 1-0 on aggregate, to book their place in the final round.

Since then, they have played three friendly matches, two against Ivory Coast, losing 2-0 on both occasions, before the 5-1 humbling by Morocco on Wednesday which has provided them with what they need to work on as they prepare for their crucial WAFCON qualifier against The Gambia in October.

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Kenya need to win the two-legged tie to make a return to the continental tournament where they last played in 2016, in what was their maiden appearance, and among those hoping to play a part is Austria-based forward Sylvia Makungu.

Will Makungu’s Form Convince Harambee Starlets Coach?

Makungu has been in good form for her side FC Wacker Innsbruck, starting 12 of 22 games while scoring eight goals, and desires to get a national team call-up ahead of the WAFCON qualifiers.

“Of course, it is every player’s dream to get to the national team and I have that ambition as well. I have played at the junior levels and I am crossing my fingers I can get an opportunity to represent the country in the journey to WAFCON,” Makungu told Telecomasia.net.

“I have worked hard this season and I believe I have shown good form and if given a chance, I am ready to give my best for my country. It is a really important tournament and personally, it has been my dream to play there.”

Korogocho-born Makungu moved to the Austrian Women's League in August 2022 and has since established herself at FC Wacker Innsbruck thanks to her impressive performances.

She made her Starlets debut in 2020 but she has not got a consistent run in the team which she hopes will come her way now after the good season.