Harambee Starlets squad breakdown: 7 Premier League teams represented for Albania friendly

Harambee Starlets head coach Godfrey Oduor on Monday named his preliminary 33 featuring players for the upcoming friendly against Albania.

The Kenya women’s national team will travel to Tirana to take on Albania on their home turf on Tuesday, April 11.

Albania are ranked 72nd in the most recent FIFA rankings, with Harambee Starlets in the 149th spot.

As is often the case, attention immediately turned to which Football Kenya Federation Women’s Premier League (FKFWPL) teams had the most players selected – and who missed out.

In terms of big-name player casualties, in no particular order Carolyne Rufa, Anita Adongo, Mercy Airo, Violet Wanyonyi, Enez Mano and Janet Mumo appear to be the most eyebrow-raising absentees.

Regarding FKFWPL team representation, there’s no surprise to learn that four-time league champions Vihiga Queens have the greatest number of players with 3, the same for Zetech Sparks.

Three teams, Gaspo Women, Thika Queens and Ulinzi Starlets, have contributed two players each, whereas Nakuru Queens and Kisumu All Starlets have a player each.

However, FKF Women Division One side Kisped Queens and Kibera Soccer Women have provided one player with each.

Interestingly, there are 17 overseas-based players compared, which may all say something about the quality in the domestic league.

Harambee Starlets breakdown per club:

Vihiga Queens(3)

Merceline Wayodi, Janet Moraa, Diana Tembesi

 Zetech Sparks (3) 

Monalizer Anyango, Purity Alukwe, Christine Awuor

Gaspo Women (2)

Valentine Khwaka, Elizabeth Wambui

Thika Queens (2) 

Lupemba Bilonda, Lorna Nyarinda

Ulinzi Starlets (2)

Ketsia Ngaira ,Sheryl Angachi 

Nakuru City Queens (1)

Stellah Mulongo

Kisumu All Starlets (1)

Monica Etot 

Kisped Queens (1)

Desma Nyawade  

Kibera Soccer Women (1)

 Maximila Robi