Former Nairobi United coach Godfrey Oduor has begun his tenure as Harambee Starlets interim coach ahead of their two-legged 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers against Seychelles. Oduor replaces Beldine Odemba, who parted ways with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) after guiding Starlets at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The two-legged tie is scheduled for October 8 and October 12, with both matches set to be played at Nyayo Stadium.
The squad features a blend of players who have been part of the national team set-up, alongside several new faces earning their first call-ups. Among the returning players are Simba Queens midfielder Corazone Aquino, Egypt-based Jentrix Shikangwa, Gor Mahia Queens goalkeeper Monica Odato, Kibera Soccer Women defender Janet Mumo, Mathare United Women defender Wincaate Kaari and Haymanaspor midfielder Lavine Achola.
Kenya Police Bullets forward Faith Mboya, Wacker Innsbruck W forward Sylvia Makungu and Madira Soccer Assassins forward Charity Midewa also return to the national team set-up. The quintet of Shabana Starlets defender Hellen Ochieng, Madira Soccer Assassins defender Abigael Njeru, Gideon Starlets midfielder Mercyline Wafula, Vihiga Queens midfielder Josephine Warenga and Kayole Starlets forward Magneta Ocharo have received their maiden senior team call-up.
The provisional squad has 43 players as Oduor begins preparations for the crucial qualifiers. The team will be looking to make a strong impression under their new coach. Oduor’s experience and tactics will be crucial in the team’s quest to qualify for the Olympics.
In other football news, Shabana Starlets will face an acid test today when they clash with defending champions Kenya Police Bullets FC in a Football Kenya Federation Women’s Premier League match at the Police Sacco Ground. Shabana had a promising start to the season, having announced their top-tier debut with a 2-2 draw against Kayole Starlet.
Police will be looking to maintain their flawless run and remain on course to defend their title and extend their reign to four years in a row. Second on the table, Ulinzi Starlets will be chasing their third win when they welcome Kibera Soccer Women FC at Ulinzi Complex. The soldiers who finished second behind Police last season will be out to bag maximum points and maintain a healthy gap between them and bitter rivals Police Bullets.
Other matches in the league include Mathare United Women FC hosting Kayole Starlet, Vihiga Queens facing Gideon Starlets, Bungoma Queens tackling Zetech Sparks, and Elim White Ladies battling Trinity Starlets. The league is heating up, with several teams vying for the top spot.
Key points
- Godfrey Oduor takes charge of Harambee Starlets as interim coach.
- Corazone Aquino and Jentrix Shikangwa return to the national team set-up.
- The 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers against Seychelles are scheduled for October 8 and October 12.
