Harambee Starlets Head Coach Beldine Odemba has urged the government and football authorities to address outstanding player allowances, saying the Harambee Starlets need proper motivation as they prepare for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Speaking during an interview, Odemba revealed that the players are yet to receive allowances from Kenya’s two matches in Zambia during the FIFA Series tournament held in June.
The coach said she rarely speaks publicly about financial matters but felt compelled to raise the issue on behalf of her squad.
“I never speak about this, but the girls have not received their last allowances for the past two matches. They need something to motivate them,” she said.
Coach Seeks Equal Support for Women’s Football
Odemba also appealed for greater support from the country’s leadership, expressing hope that the team would receive the same level of recognition and backing as the men’s national team.
She noted that the players had requested that the President personally see them off before their upcoming assignment, saying such a gesture would boost morale.
“They’ve asked that the President sees them off. It means support. We hope we can be treated the same way as the men. We hope the leadership, especially in the sports sector, can rally funds behind us and give us good motivation,” she said.
The Harambee Starlets are in preparations for the 2026 WAFCON, with the tournament set to run from 26 July to 16 August 2026 in Morocco. The opening match will be played in Rabat, which will also host the final.
Junior Starlets Inspire Senior Team
Odemba also congratulated the Junior Starlets for their recent impressive performances, saying their success has become a source of inspiration rather than pressure for the senior squad.
She praised the young team for coming within 90 minutes of another major achievement and urged fans to turn out in large numbers to support them at Nyayo Stadium.
“They have really made us proud. We trust they will do even better at home with the home fans. I’m rallying fans to come to Nyayo Stadium and support the Junior Starlets,” she said.
According to Odemba, the Junior Starlets’ achievements have strengthened belief within the Harambee Starlets camp.
“It is not pressure. It is motivation. It is showing us that we can and that it is possible. If it is pressure, then it is good pressure because it has brought a lot of positivity into the camp,” she added.
