Odemba narrows down to local talent as Starlets begin WAFCON preps

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba on Thursday named a 23-member squad for a one-week mini-camp as Kenya steps up preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The camp, exclusively made up of local-based players, will run from February 1 to February 6 and forms part of the national team’s long-term build-up to the continental finals scheduled for March 17 to April 3 in Morocco.

The initiative is aimed at widening the Starlets’ talent pool while increasing competition for places as the countdown to WAFCON gathers pace.

Odemba says the mini-camp will provide the technical bench with a closer look at players who have impressed in domestic competitions, giving them a structured environment to further assess form, tactical understanding and adaptability to the national team setup.

“We have been closely following the local leagues, attending matches and monitoring performances across the season. This mini-camp gives us a structured environment to work with the players we have identified, assess them again, and understand how they fit into the team,” said Odemba.

Players who shine during the six-day camp will earn an opportunity to push for inclusion in the main residential camp, which is set to begin on February 15, 2026. That next phase will mark the final stretch of preparations as Kenya sharpens its squad for the WAFCON finals.

The selected squad blends experience and emerging talent from across the local leagues. Goalkeepers Annedy Kundu, Vivian Shiyonzo and Juliet Adhiambo will battle for places, while the defensive unit features a strong mix including Mary Majeso, Ruth Khasoha, Diana Shakava and Elizabeth Muteshi.

Midfield options such as Medina Abubakar, Lorna Nyabuto and Providence Mukalo will be keen to impress, offering creativity and balance in the engine room, while the camp also allows the technical team to test depth across all departments.

With WAFCON fast approaching, the mini-camp represents a crucial checkpoint in Kenya’s journey.

Beyond selection, it offers a platform to strengthen squad chemistry, raise performance standards and ensure the Starlets head to Morocco with a balanced, competitive and confident team ready to represent the nation on the continental stage.

Annedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets), Vivian Shiyonzo (Kibera Soccer Women), Juliet Adhiambo (Trinity Starlets).

Mary Majeso (Kibera Soccer Women), Ruth Khasoha (Vihiga Queens), Sheryl Muyera (Zetech Sparks), Diana Shakava (Ulinzi Starlets), Elizabeth Muteshi (Trinity Starlets), Mercyline Mejor(Trinity Starlets), Euphraiser Shilwatso (Kayole Starlet), Mirriam Chelagat (Bungoma Queens).

Medina Abubakar (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorna Nyabuto (Kenya Police Bullets), Providence Mukalo (Vihiga Queens), Centrine Ngasi (Trinity Starlets), Lucy Nato (Ulinzi Starlets).