Harambee Starlets step up preps for Botswana WAFCON qualifier

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba wants the girls to capitalise on home advantage in the first leg of their last round of 2024 Women African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Botswana, slated for November 29, at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The team led  entered day four of their training on Friday as more players plying their trade outside the country joined the rest in the camp.

Having eliminated West African giants Cameroon in the last round, Odemba feels the team is ready to build up on the important win when they take on Botswana.

“So far the training is going on well, and I'm happy that there is a good progress, the players are gelling well. Some of the professionals have arrived led by midfielder Lorna  Nyarinda (FK Apolonia Fier, Albania) and Simba trio of striker Elizabeth Wambui, Corazone Vivian Aquino and keeper Carolyne Rufa. Later in the day (Friday) we are also expecting Marjolene Nekesa (SK Slavia Praha, Czech) to check in.

"I thank our fans for always rallying behind the national team especially Harambee Starlets, and I’m urging our fans to come on the pitch in our support. I understand it will be a working day but they should try to make their way because girls need their support so much to qualify.”

Odemba sentiments were also echoed by Simba Queens forward Elizabeth Wambui.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has already promised the Kenyan Queens a cash reward of Sh.5 million, should they see off Botswana in a the legged affair and qualify for WAFCON.

Starlets will play Botswana in the first leg on November 29 at Nyayo National Stadium before flying out to Gaborone in the return match slated for December 5.