Odemba calls for Starlets' allowances to be paid head of WAFCON campaign

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has appealed to the government and football authorities to clear the team's outstanding allowances ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), saying the payments would boost the players' morale before the continental tournament.

Speaking during a training session at Kasarani Stadium on Monday, Odemba revealed that the players are yet to receive their allowances for the previous two matches and urged the relevant stakeholders to intervene.

"I rarely speak about this, but the fact is the players haven't received their allowances for the past two matches, and they need something to motivate them," said Odemba.

The coach also expressed her hope that President William Ruto will officially flag off the team before they depart for Morocco, saying the gesture would demonstrate the country's confidence in the squad and inspire the players ahead of their historic campaign.

"The players have also asked the President to see them off because it would show his support. We are also asking him to motivate the girls as he has always done with the men's team, and I believe he will hear our plea," she said.

"The players need positive vibes, and I hope the President and all football stakeholders can rally Kenyans to support the girls because they need all the motivation they can get."

Despite the financial concerns, Odemba expressed satisfaction with the team's preparations, noting that the residential training camp has gone well and the players have developed strong chemistry ahead of the tournament.

She added that Kenya's participation in the FIFA Series in April played a significant role in sharpening the squad.

"I want Kenyans to support the girls and give them positive vibes that can steer them to greatness as they prepare to represent the country they love with all their hearts. If you look at the core of the team, most of the players who featured in the FIFA Series are here, and they performed very well," she said.

"Maybe it was a blessing in disguise that we didn't play WAFCON then and are playing it now. It gave us more time to prepare, and I believe we are much readier."

Striker Mwanahalima Adam Jereko, who plays for Danish side HB Køge, said the squad is fully focused and ready for the continental showpiece.

"As a striker, I feel very ready for the tournament. The preparations have been intense, and the postponement turned out to be a blessing because it gave us more time to train. We promise Kenyans better results, and we urge them to continue supporting us," she said.

Kenya has been drawn in a tough Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal and Algeria.

The Starlets booked their place at the tournament after edging Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate in the opening qualification round before overcoming Gambia 4-1 on aggregate.

The achievement marks Kenya's second appearance at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations and ends a 10-year wait since the country's maiden participation at the 2016 tournament in Cameroon.

Following the team's qualification, President William Ruto awarded each player and member of the technical bench Ksh1 million in recognition of their achievement.