WAFCON: Kenya set up mini-camp for local based players

Kenya women’s national team Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has emphasised the importance of a mini camp, noting that it is a continuation of the technical team’s ongoing player assessment process.

Harambee Starlets will enter a one-week mini-camp for locally based players as part of their preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) slated for Morocco.

 

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The camp will run from February 1 to February 6, 2026, and is aimed at assessing and identifying talent that could strengthen the team ahead of the continental showpiece scheduled for March 17 to April 3, 2026.

Pathway to provisional squad

“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.

The mini-camp will provide the technical bench with an opportunity to closely monitor standout performers from the local leagues as they consider additions to the WAFCON provisional squad.

Players who impress during the week-long camp will be in contention for selection when the team reports for the main residential camp on February 15, 2026, as final preparations for the tournament gather pace.

With the tournament fast approaching, the mini- camp forms a critical phase in the Starlets’ preparations as the technical bench sharpens its focus on squad depth, competition for places, and overall team balance.

Harambee Starlets have been drawn in Group A of the WAFCON alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal, and Algeria in what promises to be a highly competitive pool.

Kenya secured their place at the 2026 WAFCON after a convincing two-legged victory over the Gambia in the qualifiers. The Starlets recorded a 3-1 win in the first leg before completing the job with a 1-0 victory in the return fixture, advancing with a 4-1 aggregate score.

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will be staged from March 17 to April 3, 2026, bringing together Africa’s top national teams in a tournament that also serves as a qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Harambee Starlets Group fixtures

Morocco vs Kenya
March 17, 2026
Moulay El Hassan Stadium

Senegal vs Kenya
March 20, 2026
Moulay El Hassan Stadium

Algeria vs Kenya
March 23, 2026
Al Madina Stadium

Harambee Starlets squad for local-based players;

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

Defenders; 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).

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

Forwards; Anna Arusi (Kibera Soccer Women), Faith Mboya (kenya police ), Linda Kihara (Kayole Starlet), Shaline Nambengele (Ulinzi Starlets), Catherine Khaemba (Bungoma Queens), Purity Akinyi (Shabana Starlets), Airin Madalina (Vihiga Queens).