WAFCON could be career-changer, says Harambee Starlets keeper Kundu

The Kenya Police Bullets shot-stopper is among the 25 players who departed for Miramas, France, on Wednesday for a week-long training camp as Kenya intensifies preparations for the continental showpiece, which runs from July 26 to August 16 in Morocco.

Speaking before the team's departure, the former Lakatamia FC and AEL Limassol goalkeeper said she is eager to earn playing time and use the tournament to demonstrate her abilities on one of Africa's biggest football stages.

"This will be my first WAFCON tournament, and I hope to get the opportunity to play and showcase my talent to the world. Since I started my goalkeeping career, I have always been committed to the team and the badge, whether I start or come off the bench.

"I always have the courage, determination and fighting spirit to give my best for the team, and that is my motivation heading into WAFCON."

The Starlets travelled to France in high spirits after the Ministry of Sports settled their outstanding allowances, ending a dispute that had seen players reportedly stage a protest at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Goal Project offices in Kasarani on Wednesday morning.

Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi met the team before their departure and confirmed that the government had released KSh20 million to be shared between the Harambee Starlets and Junior Starlets squads.

Kenya secured only their second appearance at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate and The Gambia 4-1 on aggregate in the qualifiers, ending a 10-year absence from the continental finals.

Head coach Beldine Odemba has set her sights on reaching the semi-finals and securing Kenya's first-ever qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup.