NyamuNyamu defends Starlets after Wafcon ticket hunt fails

Vihiga Queens head coach Boniface Nyamunyamu has come to the defence of the Harambee Starlets after the national women’s football team’s dream to grace next year’s Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) was extinguished on Tuesday in Botswana.

Harambee Starlets paid the price for missing yet another penalty which cost them the ticket after Botswana emerged the aggregate winner of the two-legged fourth and final  round, following a 1-0 triumph on their home turf and a one-all draw in Nairobi.

NyamuNyamu however says the team needs support instead of a backlash urging the Ministry of Sports to invest heavily in the squad.

“We need to offer support to these girls before we even start to castigate them. Let’s look at the bigger picture. How were their preparations? Was it enough? Let’s think of the future of this team,’’ said NyamuNyamu.

TMG Starlets coach Fathime Tibu echoed Nyamunyamu's comments, backing the squad to conquer should they stay together for long.

“In the first half they played so well, in fact they almost out did Botswana. A lot of chances were created but were not well utilised because come second half we lost a penalty that we had been granted,” said Tibu.

Edwin Prichani, an ardent fan of Harambee Starlets  is suggesting that team should have their own coach like their male counterparts Harambee Stars.

"There's a conflict of interest. Odemba (Beldine) cannot lead two national teams (Under 20 and Harambee Starlets), she will definitely have a divided attention and this will affect the teams’ performances. Coaching is a very serious assignment and you cannot fully succeed with two teams," said Prichani.

Odemba is in-charge of Harambee Starlets and Rising Starlets, and she also coaches Kenya Women Premier League (KWPL) side Kenya Police Bullets and Highway Secondary School team.