Harambee Starlets eye strong WAFCON campaign after 'strong' backing

The Starlets departed for a week-long training camp in Miramas, France, on Wednesday, 15 July, as they enter the final phase of preparations for the 2026 WAFCON finals in Morocco.

The tournament marks Kenya's return to Africa's biggest women's football competition for the first time in a decade. The Starlets begin their Group A campaign against hosts Morocco on 26 July before facing Senegal and Algeria. Reaching the semi-finals would also secure Kenya's maiden qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Speaking before the team's departure, Adam said the players were determined to reward the support they have received with strong performances on the pitch.

"The Government has honoured its promise and the President has delivered on his commitment. Now it is up to us to do our job. We ask Kenyans to wish us well and keep us in their prayers because your support means everything to us. We are ready to give everything for our country," she said.

Head coach Beldine Odemba said the squad had made significant progress during its residential training camp and believes the final preparations in France will sharpen the team ahead of the tournament.

"We have had a very productive camp, with friendly matches helping us assess the players. They are in good form, have worked hard and shown great determination. There are only a few areas left to fine-tune, and we will do that during our camp in Miramas," Odemba said.

FKF President Hussein Mohamed urged Kenyans to rally behind the team, pledging the federation's continued support throughout the campaign.

"We ask Kenyans to support the girls and keep them in their prayers as they continue their preparations in France. As FKF, we remain fully committed to supporting them throughout their WAFCON campaign," Mohamed said.

Ahead of the team's departure, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi reaffirmed the Government's commitment, confirming that the KSh10 million pledged by President William Ruto had been released. He also assured the players that any outstanding allowances would continue to be processed directly into their individual accounts.

Mwangi called on Kenyans to unite behind the Starlets, saying the Government would continue supporting the team throughout the tournament.

"We are here to give moral support to our Starlets as they head to WAFCON. The Government remains fully committed to supporting the team, and I urge Kenyans to stand behind them because it is not every day that our national team qualifies for a tournament of this calibre."

Kenya secured its place at WAFCON by defeating Tunisia and The Gambia in the qualifiers, ending a 10-year absence from the continental showpiece.

After exiting at the group stage on their debut in 2016, the Starlets will be targeting a place in the knockout rounds for the first time while continuing to drive the growth of women's football in Kenya.