Beldine Odemba Resigns as Harambee Starlets Head Coach

Beldine Odemba has resigned as head coach of the Harambee Starlets, throwing Kenya’s preparations for the upcoming CECAFA Women’s Championship into turmoil. Her exit, confirmed less than two weeks before the tournament kicks off on June 12 in Dar es Salaam, comes after mounting frustrations over a lack of institutional support from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

Appointed in September 2023, Odemba had been at the helm of the national women’s team for less than two years. Her final assignment was a 5-1 international friendly loss to Morocco in Tangier last Friday, a match that was already marred by unrest within the squad. Several players had gone on strike over unpaid allowances from April’s friendlies against Ivory Coast, further complicating team morale and preparations.

Sources close to the situation say Odemba’s resignation came as a shock to FKF officials. She reportedly cited the absence of adequate financial and structural backing, making it “impossible to implement her vision” for the team. In addition to her national duties, Odemba also coaches Kenya Police Bullets FC.

With the CECAFA Championship fast approaching, FKF is now under pressure to urgently assemble a new technical bench. According to insiders, the federation must submit its final tournament squad by Monday. However, any new coaching appointments must first be approved by the FKF National Executive Committee (NEC), delaying immediate action.

Among the frontrunners being considered for interim roles are Kibera Soccer Women’s head coach David Vijago, former Vihiga Queens tactician Alex Alumirah, and ex-Starlets captain and coach Ann Aluoch. The trio, however, cannot officially take charge without NEC clearance.

The Harambee Starlets are set to begin their CECAFA campaign on Saturday, June 14, against Burundi. They will then face Uganda on June 17, South Sudan on June 19, and hosts Tanzania on June 21 in the group stage.

As the federation scrambles to steady the ship, all eyes will be on FKF’s next move in this crucial hour for Kenyan women’s football.