Odemba hails World Cup bound J.Starlets, calls for more government support
A watchful Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba leads a training session during the team's mini-camp on Thursday 5, Feb 2025. Photo courtesy of FKF Media.
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Odemba urged the government and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to provide the team with the support needed to prepare for the tournament, which will be held in Morocco from 17 October to 8 November 2026.
Her appeal comes amid persistent concerns over the treatment of Kenya's women's national teams, with reports of unpaid allowances continuing to emerge.
The Junior Starlets secured their second consecutive FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualification in style on Sunday, beating South Africa 3-1 at Nyayo National Stadium to complete a commanding 5-1 aggregate victory.
Odemba believes proper support will ease the team's preparations and is confident they can improve on their debut performance at the 2024 tournament in the Dominican Republic.
"I want to congratulate coach Cheche, the entire technical bench and the players for that feat. They put in a lot of hard work and it has paid off. I'm wishing them well and urging the government and the federation to support them fully so their campaign can be easier," Odemba told Citizen Digital.She said regular qualification for youth World Cups would benefit both the junior and senior national teams by raising the profile of Kenyan players and creating more opportunities abroad.
"The U-17 World Cup is an important platform. It not only gives these players exposure but also puts them on the world stage. Such tournaments attract scouts, making it easier for our young players to secure opportunities abroad. A good example is Valerie Nekesa, who has just joined Spanish top-flight side Tenerife."The 42-year-old also called on FKF to strengthen the country's youth development structures, starting from the Under-13 level, to create a sustainable pathway into the national teams.
"Strong structures are essential. It would be fantastic to have U-13 and U-15 teams feeding into the Junior Starlets, who would then feed the senior team. The U-17 side has already played a key role in supplying players to the senior team, but with better structures we can achieve even more and be better prepared for major competitions."Odemba said players across the various age groups should be brought together regularly for training camps and competitive matches, particularly during school holidays, to monitor their development more effectively.
The CAF A Licence holder believes Kenya can become a leading force in women's football if greater investment is made in the game.
"We can become a very competitive nation in women's football if we invest properly. Recently, Tanzania took their team to Spain for a series of friendly matches. I hope one day we reach that level, where there is meaningful investment and structured development."President William Ruto has invited the Junior Starlets to a breakfast meeting at State House on Tuesday in recognition of their qualification.
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