Harambee Starlets upbeat ahead of Fifa series
Football
By
Elizabeth Mburugu
| Apr 05, 2026
The women’s national senior team Harambee Starlets are upbeat ahead of the four-nation inaugural Fifa Women’s series to be host from April 11 to 15 at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Starlets are currently in camp preparing for the tournament that will see them play Australia, India and Malawi.
The series is timely and will serve as part of Starlets preparations for the postponed Women Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) that will now be staged from July 26 to August 16.
Head coach Beldine Odemba named a 31-player provisional squad that reported to camp on April 1. Kenya Police Bullets forward Terry Engesha who returns to the side after missing a call-up to the Wafcon team said was elated to be back in the squad.
“I’m happy to get another chance to showcase my talent. It is a privilege to be in the team and I will not take it for granted.”
READ MORE
Local borrowing: How Treasury is edging out 'mama mboga' for banks
Agoa renewal offers new chance to redefine Africa's place in global trade
Iran war hits kitchens as shilling slumps, forex reserves dwindle
China woos Kenyan producers with '800-million opportunity' as zero-tariff deal takes effect
Co-op bank shares set for further gains on strong profit growth, lower rates
Kenya slashes dollar debt to record low as Chinese yuan gains ground
Government plans stricter laws to clean up tea sector
Tourism earnings hit record Sh500 billion as arrivals near 8m
Kakamega youth, women eye avocado export cash after skills training
She added that they are looking forward to good performance in the series. “The camp is good, everyone is pushing themselves and in this Fifa series we are hoping to perform well so that we can get another opportunity to play for the nation and so that the young players can also learn from us.”
Youngster Valarie Nekesa of Soccer Assassins said that with most of the players having trained and played together for a while is an advantage because of team cohesion.
“We started well and in high tempo which means that each one of us is in great form and pushing to get better. We will enhance our teamwork and ensure that when we play those friendlies we have jelled properly.”
Former Junior Starlets star Marion Serenge who received her first senior team call-up will be hoping to make the final squad. The former Archbishop Njenga striker who now plies her trade in Uganda for St Noa has been impressive leading her side to victories in the Ugandan women’s league.
MOST READ
- Agoa renewal offers new chance to redefine Africa's place in global trade
OPINION
By Paul Russo
- Iran war hits kitchens as shilling slumps, forex reserves dwindle
BUSINESS
By Brian Ngugi
- China woos Kenyan producers with '800-million opportunity' as zero-tariff deal takes effect
BUSINESS
By Brian Ngugi