Optimistic Odemba backs Kenya's bid to host WAFCON 2028

Odemba made the remarks during a special State House reception where the president hosted both the senior national team, the Harambee Starlets and the history-making Under-17 side, the Junior Starlets.

The double celebration saw the Junior Starlets lauded for securing their qualification to the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup after a commanding 5-1 aggregate victory over South Africa.

Meanwhile, the senior Starlets are in their final weeks of preparation before kicking off their WAFCON campaign in Morocco on July 26.

Addressing the head of state, Odemba emphasized that the massive transformation made by Kenyan women’s football over the last year proves the country is ready to host the continent.

Recognizing the government’s sports development strategy, Odemba urged the president to back Kenya’s bid for WAFCON 2028.

“Your Excellency, our girls have proven beyond doubt that we have the talent and the drive to match the best in the world.

“As we head to Morocco, we want to bring the tournament back home. We urge your administration to support Kenya's bid to host the 2028 WAFCON.

“It would be a monumental step for the girl child and sports in this country.” Odemba said.

Beyond the hosting bid, coach Odemba delivered a candid dressing-room reality check, appealing directly to the president to address financial disparities and ensure the women's team receives the same elite motivation as their male counterparts, the Harambee Stars.

She revealed that the team had gone into their final residential training camps with pending allowances from their last two matches.

“We are going to the top tournament on the continent, and the girls have not received their allowances for the past two matches. They need something to motivate them.

“They've asked that the President see them off. Of course, that means support. Secondly, of course, the president should play his part.

“We hope that we can be treated the same way as the men were treated during CHAN.

“We hope that we can rally the president and the leadership of the country, especially in the sports sector to get fans behind us.”

Odemba warned that the Junior Starlets' historic qualification to the World Cup should not be treated as a one-off achievement, but rather as the foundation for structured and long-term investment in women's football.

“I want to congratulate coach Cheche, the entire technical bench and the players for that feat. They put in a lot of hard work and it has paid off. I'm wishing them well and urging the government and the federation to support them fully so their campaign can be easier.”

She highlighted the massive doors that international exposure opens for young Kenyan talent, pointing to recent transfer successes:

“The U-17 World Cup is an important platform. It not only gives these players exposure but also puts them on the world stage.

“Such tournaments attract scouts, making it easier for our young players to secure opportunities abroad. A good example is Valerie Nekesa, who has just joined Spanish top-flight side Tenerife.”

To maintain this momentum, the CAF A license holder urged the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the government to establish clear development pathways starting from primary school ages.

“Strong structures are essential. It would be fantastic to have U13 and U15 teams feeding into the Junior Starlets, who would then feed the senior team.

“The U-17 side has already played a key role in supplying players to the senior team, but with better structures we can achieve even more and be better prepared for major competitions.”

Odemba also pointed out the level of investment being made by neighboring countries, challenging Kenya to match their standards:

“We can become a very competitive nation in women's football if we invest properly. Recently, Tanzania took their team to Spain for a series of friendly matches. I hope one day we reach that level, where there is meaningful investment and structured development.”

With her final 25-player squad locked in, Coach Odemba's immediate focus turns back to the pitch.

The Harambee Starlets will fly out to France for final training camp before flying to Morocco to begin their group stage campaign in Group A, where they are scheduled to face Morocco, Senegal and Algeria.