Okere remains in charge of Harambee Starlets, says Petra

Former Tusker FC assistant coach Charles Okere will remain Harambee Starlets head coach, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President Doris Petra has confirmed.

Confusion engulfed the Starlets Technical bench in 2022 after the former Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed disbanded FKF, installing a Caretaker Commitee which effected sweeping changes including hiring Alex Alumira to take over from Okere.

Okere was Starlets coach before the FIFA suspension that was occasioned by Amina's move.

However, after the lifting of FIFA's suspension on Kenya and reinstatement of FKF officials, it has remained unclear if there would be changes in the Starlets technical bench.

Speaking exclusively to Citizen Digital, Petra on Monday said Starlets technical bench will remain the same.

“We have decided to retain the Starlet technical bench and no any changes which have been made. This means Charles Okere will be the head coach and will prepare the team for the 2024 African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) Qualifiers as well as Cecafa Champions later this year.

"Okere is a very experienced coach, we hope he will help Starlets qualify for the continental showpiece. For now we have no plans to change the technical bench but if any changes are needed, we will communicate," said Petra.

Godfrey ‘Solo’Oduor will serve as Okere’s assistant as Lawrence Webo takes the goalkeepers coaching roles,  while Mildred Cheche will be the Team Manager.

Okere led Vihiga Queens in the inaugural, CAF Women’s Champions League in 2021 in Cairo, Egypt.

Starlets are expected to hit the camp soon for their preparation for the 2024 AWCON qualifiers as well as CECAFA Women Championship.

Okere was appointed Starlets head coach on April 12, 2021 taking over from David Ouma who parted ways with the federation "on mutual consent."

Petra's confirmation of the Starlets Technical bench comes a week after FKF reappointed Turkish Engin Firat to continue leading Harambee Stars.