Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba named SJAK Coach of the Month

The award was due to her exemplary job after guiding the Harambee Starlets to the historic qualification of the 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the second time in history after their debut in 2016.

The WAFCON is slated for March 17 to April 3 in Morocco, and will attract 16 teams up from 12, with a record prize fund of $1 million for the champions.

The decorated gaffer guided Starlets to beat Gambia 1-0 in the second leg of the third round a fortnight ago at the Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal.

Their win in Senegal capped a 4-1 aggregate scalp after their 3-1 victory in Nairobi four days earlier, a testament to her dedication and expertise, just two years into her appointment.

Their journey to Morocco in 2026 was one of resilience and belief. Before dispatching Gambia, the Starlets edged out a spirited Tunisian side in the previous round, earning a vital 1–0 away win after a draw in Nairobi, a feat highlighted by goalkeeper Lilian Awuor’s heroics, saving two penalties to keep Kenya’s dream alive.

In a stunning display of recognition, Coach Odemba was unanimously voted by the esteemed SJAK Panel of scribes, triumphing over a star-studded line-up that included Kevin "Bling" Wambua (Shujaa Coach), Musa Benjamin (Kenya boxing tactician), Nicholas Muyoti of Nairobi United FC, hockey's Meshack Senge, Simon Odongo (Lionesses Rugby coach), and national triathlon coach Camilla Lydya.

Wambua, who won the award in September 2023, led Shujaa to retaining the 2025 Safari Sevens Rugby title at Nyayo, while Senge – the national women's hockey team coach (Blades) – led his side to a bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations held in Ismailia, Egypt.

Musa, the national boxing team 'Hit Squad' head coach, guided Kenya to second overall spot at the Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championship held in Nairobi with 5 gold, 10 silver, and 8 bronze medals.

“Coach Odemba's unanimous win is a testament to her outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence. She's a true champion who has brought pride to Kenya after a long hiatus.

“The SKAK panel of scribes couldn't have made a more deserving choice. Here's to many more milestones and a continued legacy of excellence,” said Panel Chairman Abuller Ahmed, who is also an SJAK Executive Committee Member.

Odemba was all smiles after bagging the monthly award. "We've waited for this moment for a long time, and I would like to thank the organizers and the sponsor of this award for believing in the girls and my role as the coach.

“The girls displayed great character and heart in every inch of the way. It hasn't been easy though, but we stayed focused and believed in our goal – to bring Kenya back to the WAFCON stage," said Odemba, who now turns her focus to the 2026 WAFCON in North Africa.