Odemba pleased with NSL talent as Starlets intensify WAFCON preps

The mini-camp, which kicked off on February 1 and concludes on Friday, was designed to assess and identify players who could bolster the national team ahead of the continental showpiece scheduled for March 17 to April 3, 2026.

According to Odemba, the camp has provided the technical bench with a valuable opportunity to closely monitor standout performers from the local leagues as they consider additions to the provisional WAFCON squad.

Players who impressed during the sessions at Kasarani Stadium will be in contention for selection when the team reports for the main residential camp on February 15, 2026, as final preparations for the tournament gather pace.

“The reason we set up a mini-camp for local players was to give a chance and opportunity to those who are performing well in different leagues,” Odemba said.

“We have many players doing well, and while we would love to see even more, we are happy with what we have observed so far. There is good quality among the players, although there is still some work to be done.”

The Starlets tactician was particularly encouraged by the impact of players drawn from the Women’s National Super League, praising their ability and potential to compete at the highest level.

“I’m happy that we have a player from the Women’s NSL who has shown great capability and ability. I hope the lower leagues continue producing quality players,” she added.

“This mini-camp is very important, especially ahead of CAF or FIFA events. It would be good if it became a continuous process because it gives coaches time to gauge and tap talent for the betterment of our national teams.”

Meanwhile, Starlets technical bench has been has strengthened with the appointment of Edward Seda as one of her assistants, as Kenya ramps up preparations for the 2026 WAFCON.

Seda, who serves as an assistant coach at Kariobangi Sharks, joined the national team over the weekend after the Starlets assembled for a one-week mini-camp in Kasarani.

His appointment follows the departure of Godfrey ‘Solo’ Oduor , who vacated his role in the Starlets’ technical team after taking up the head coach position at Nairobi United. Seda joins MOFA FC head coach Charles Bruno as part of Odemba’s assistant coaching team.

However, preparations for the tournament could be affected after the Moroccan Football Federation indicated its intention to seek a postponement of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations, citing a congested calendar.

The CAF women’s elite competition is scheduled to take place in Morocco, with 16 nations set to battle for the coveted title. The tournament is now at risk of being postponed, with the host nation expected to submit a formal request to CAF over several pressing concerns.

The Moroccan FA’s move is largely driven by the need to complete the domestic league season on time, which is scheduled to end on May 15, 2026, as well as to manage the heavy workload ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.