The road to Morocco begins in Nairobi as the Harambee Starlets head coach turns to the local league’s finest to build a squad capable of conquering the continent.

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has officially kicked off Kenya’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) by naming a provisional squad dominated by local-based talent. The team has checked into a residential camp at the Kasarani Sports Complex, marking the first phase of a rigorous training regime designed to fine-tune the squad ahead of the continental showpiece in Morocco.

This strategic decision to prioritize the Football Kenya Federation Women’s Premier League (FKF-WPL) underscores a vote of confidence in the domestic game. With the tournament fast approaching, Odemba is keen to widen her selection pool, ensuring that every position is contested and that the final traveling party represents the absolute best of Kenyan women's football. The camp, running from February 1 to February 6, will serve as a crucible where raw potential is forged into international readiness.

Mining Local Gold

The exclusion of foreign-based professionals in this initial phase is a calculated move. Odemba’s philosophy is clear: the foundation of the national team must be built on the consistency and chemistry found at home. By giving local players the first bite at the cherry, the technical bench is creating a competitive environment where reputation counts for nothing and current form is everything.

Top performers from league giants like Vihiga Queens, Kenya Police Bullets, and Ulinzi Starlets form the spine of this provisional squad. Players such as relentless striker Topista Situma and the commanding defensive presence of Phoebe Owiti are expected to lead by example. "We are looking for hunger," Odemba told reporters at the camp's opening. "The door is open, but you have to kick it down with your performance on the pitch."

• The Objective: This mini-camp is designed to assess fitness levels, tactical understanding, and the ability to adapt to Odemba’s high-pressing system before the foreign legion joins the fray later in the window.
• The Stakes: For many of these players, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to earn a ticket to the WAFCON, a tournament that serves as a gateway to the World Cup and professional contracts abroad.

A Test of Depth and Character

Kenya’s return to the continental stage after the heartbreak of missing previous editions due to administrative suspensions has raised expectations. The fans demand not just participation, but impact. Odemba knows that to compete with African heavyweights like Nigeria, South Africa, and Morocco, she needs a squad with depth. Injuries and suspensions are inevitable in tournament football, and the players currently in camp are the insurance policy that could decide Kenya's fate.

The training sessions are expected to be grueling, with a focus on defensive solidity and transition play—areas where the Starlets have historically struggled against North African opposition. The technical bench is also paying close attention to the psychological readiness of the players. The pressure of wearing the national colors in a major tournament can be crushing, and only those with the mental fortitude to handle the spotlight will make the final cut.

As the camp progresses, the eyes of the nation are on these young women. They are not just playing for a spot in the team; they are playing to validate the quality of Kenyan football. Beldine Odemba has thrown down the gauntlet, and now it is up to the local stars to pick it up and prove that they belong on the biggest stage in African football.