Harambee Starlets Players on Go-Slow Over Delayed Payments? FKF Responds

Harambee Starlets players are set to feature in a friendly match against Morocco on June 4 but their preparations could be hampered due to an administrative issue from the government.

Starlets coach Beldine Odemba named a 23-player squad for the friendly match this week with all players expected to report to camp by Sunday.

However, reports have indicated that while some have already heeded to the call, others are yet to do so as they are demanding full payment of their allowances.

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The allowances in question are from the two friendly matches Odemba’s team played against Ivory Coast in April, which they lost 2-0, in both encounters.

That could potentially affect the coach’s plans as she tunes her team for the crucial 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against The Gambia in October.

However, Football Kenya Federations Communications Director Jeff Kinyanjui has allayed fears that the issue could hamper the team’s preparations.

“This is an administrative issue from the government which the players have been made aware of. FKF and the government have been in constant communication since the team played those matches and there is hope that it will be sorted soon,” Kinyanjui told Pulse Sports.

“I cannot speak for the government but I know it is being worked on. It is important to note that this is a delay which happens with every team and not non-payment and we expect every player to be in camp by the time the team leaves for Morocco on Sunday.”

Starlets have been playing build-up matches against strong opposition in a bid to prepare well for the two-legged WAFCON qualifier whose winner will seal a ticket to the continental tournament next year.

Morocco, placed 60 in the FIFA ranking, are another top side that will give Odemba and her team a clear view of where they are and what they need to work on before facing The Gambia.