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Odemba faces tough decisions in selecting top forwards and defenders for the upcoming 2024 WAFCON qualifiers.
Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba stands at the brink of an unenviable task as she prepares to trim her provisional 30-player squad for the looming 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.
With the stakes high, especially with the eyes of the nation upon them, every decision counts.
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11:30 - 11.09.2023
36-year-old Shamilah Kipsiror fires warning shots ahead of Valencia Half Marathon
She believes her win in Nigeria is a morale booster ahead of her fifth Half Marathon this season.
Among the 30, the attacking line stands out, boasting top-tier names that have been turning heads and setting records in both local and international arenas.
These are the women who have been consistently finding the back of the net, making them indispensable for the Starlets.
Esse Akida, the lethal forward from FC PAOK Thessaloniki, is almost a guaranteed pick after her scintillating performance earlier in the year, which saw her bag the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.
But alongside Akida, the in-form Jentrix Shikangwa of Beijing Jingtan FC cannot be easily overlooked.
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11:00 - 11.09.2023
Joyce Njeru achieves double victory at the Canfranc-Canfranc Mountain Running World Cup event
Muthoni reigned supreme at the vertical uphill on Friday and extended the winning streak to defend her title in the 16km classic mountain race.
Shikangwa, with her incredible footwork and ability to find the back of the net, has been the talk of the season.
Her recent performances in the Chinese league have turned heads, and many view her as the next big thing in African women's football.
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10:59 - 11.09.2023
FOOTBALL: CS Owalo's investment plea to Gor Mahia fraternity
CS Eliud Owalo has urged retired footballers to embrace investments
Another name that has been on everyone's lips is Topista Situma of Fountain Gates Princess. Situma, known for her sheer pace and ability to glide past defenders, adds yet another dimension to the Starlets' attack.
Her exploits on the field have made her a fan favorite, and many will be looking forward to seeing her link up with Akida and Shikangwa.
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10:30 - 11.09.2023
ATHLETICS: The millions Usain Bolt makes in a year
The Jamaican is the world record holder in both the 100m and 200m, records he set during the 2009 World Championships.
Completing the attackers' quartet is Mercy Airo from Ulinzi Stars. Airo, with her robust physical presence and innate goal-scoring ability, provides an alternative approach to the front line.
Given the diverse defensive setups that opponents might present, having a player of Airo's caliber could be instrumental in breaking down stubborn defenses.
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10:30 - 11.09.2023
GENERAL: Thunder on trail as 300 Kibo bikers blaze from Nairobi to Naivasha
300 riders tackled Kibo's thrilling "Ride Like a Champ" challenge, showcasing bike robustness and rider expertise from Nairobi to Naivasha.
On the defensive front, the choices are no less challenging as Phoebe Owiti of Vihiga Queens has been a rock at the back. Her exceptional reading of the game and ability to thwart attacks make her indispensable.
However, she will face stiff competition from Dorcas Shikobe of Sirines of Grevena. Shikobe, with her vast experience and leadership skills, is another sure bet to fortify the Starlets' backline.
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10:00 - 11.09.2023
FKFPL: Tusker’s Jimmy Mbugua reveals two reasons behind his fine restart after long injury layoff
Mbugua, who was named in the FKFPL team of week one, has struggled to find consistency thanks to a series of recurring injuries since his promotion to the first team in 2020.
Enez Mango from Farul Constanta and Wincate Kaari of Yanga Princess are also vying for a spot in the starting lineup.
Both defenders have shown immense promise, making critical interceptions and demonstrating a calm presence under pressure.
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09:00 - 11.09.2023
Sportpesa 7s: KCB boss Amonde in awe of charges after storming to circuit victory
The legendary former Shujaa skipper masterminded KCB’s fruitful National Circuit campaign by delivering the Kabeberi sevens title on Sunday.
With such a rich pool of talent, coach Beldine Odemba's selection headache is both a blessing and a curse. The strength in depth means the Starlets have multiple options to adjust their strategy as needed.
However, it also implies some tough calls and potentially leaving out players who could be starters in any other team.
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08:00 - 11.09.2023
Why Firat will stick to the tried and tested for future Harambee Stars assignments
The Harambee Stars head coach insists his process needs to find ‘stability’ ahead of the World Cup qualifiers which will commence in November.
If the Harambee Starlets emerge victorious over the two legs against Cameroon, they will face either Gabon or Botswana for a shot at automatic qualification to the 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Given the magnitude of the task, coach Odemba's choices will undoubtedly come under intense scrutiny.
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07:00 - 11.09.2023
STARS ABROAD: Eight top foreign-born players that Kenyan can still turn to ahead of 2026 World Cup qualifiers
Harambee Stars are preparing for a grueling 2026 World Cup qualification campaign and there are a number of eye-catching talents born abroad that coach Engin Firat can entice.
Harambee Starlets squad;
Goalkeepers: Valentine Khwaka (Kenya Police Bullets FC), Annedy Kundu (Ness Atromitou FC), Caroline Rufa (Simba Queens)
Defenders: Christine Awuor (Zetech Sparks), Lavender Atieno Okeyo (Kenya Police Bullets FC), Phoebe Owiti (Vihiga Queens), Dorcas Shikobe (Sirines of Grevena), Enez Mango (Farul Constanta), Wincate Kaari (Yanga Princess), Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor), Quinter Owiti (Kenya Police Bullets FC), Janet Moraa (Vihiga Queens).
Midfielders: Cynthia Shilwatso (FC Kryvbas Women), Sheryl Angachi (Ulinzi Starlets), Ketsia Ngaira (Ulinzi Starlets), Vivian Corazone (Simba Queens), Marjolene Nekesa(SK Slavia Praha), Mercyline Anyango (JFK Panthers).
Forwards: Jentrix Shikangwa (Beijing Jingtan FC), Topista Situma (Fountain Gates Princess), Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens), Mwanalima Adam (Hakkarigucuspor), Airin Madalina (Bunyore Starlets), Esse Akida (FC PAOK), Tereza Engesha (Hyundai Steel R.A), Purity Alukwe (Kenya Police Bullets FC), Violet Nanjala (AMLFF LAAYOUNE), Valerie Leah Nekesa (Soccer Assassins), Mercy Airo (Ulinzi Starlets)
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