No time to rest: Harambee Starlets embark on Wafcon preparations
Kenya will immediately embark on preparations for 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has said.
On Wednesday evening, business at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) came to near-standstill as Harambee Starlets returned from Senegal, where Kenya beat Gambia 1-0 on Tuesday night in the reverse fixture of final qualifier match of 2026 Wafcon to seal a place in the main tournament.
Gambia hosted the match at Stade Lat Dior in Senegal’s third largest city Thiès because the west African nation doest not have a stadium that meets Caf’s standards for hosting international matches.
Kenya, which had won the first leg match at Nyayo National Stadium 3-1, qualified for Wafcon for the first time in 10 years.
Upon arrival back home on Wednesday night, Harambee Starlets players performed a jig with traditional dancers who received them at the airport. Afterwards, the players were ferried in buses to Stadion Hotel at Kasarani in Nairobi where they spent the night.
Speaking before the team left Thies on Tuesday, FKF’s Deputy President, McDonald Mariga said the team would regroup to begin preparations for the tournament, which will be held from March 17 to April 3 next year in Morocco.
“Team preparations will begin immediately. There is no time to waste,” Mariga told Nation Sport, citing the need to make the team more competitive.
“Our qualification for the tournament shows that women’s football in Kenya is growing rapidly, fuelled by government support, better organisation, exposure for the players, and more attention given to the game compared to previous years,” he observed.
“We are more organised now than in previous years when our teams did not get exposure,” Mariga said.
On Thursday, the players were released to join their clubs. They will again convene in the next international break between November 24 and December 2.
FKF Women Representative Kerubo Momanyi observed that Kenya will approach next year’s tournament with a competitive mindset.
“Kenya will go to next year’s tournament as competitors and not merely as participants,” she said.
“We need a comprehensive roadmap and strategic plan for the 2026 Wafcon. We have plans for team camp, technical preparedness, logistical organization, and we will work closely with the Sports ministry and FKF. Our ultimate goal is for Kenya to qualify for the Fifa World Cup.”
Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba lauded her players for their great achievement.
“It’s a good feeling. This is an invaluable addition to my CV, but more importantly, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and prepare for the tougher challenges ahead. I urge the government and FKF to support us with preparations. The difference has bee better preparation. With good preparation, we can perform well in Wafcon,” Odemba said.
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