Godfrey Oduor has returned to the Harambee Starlets technical bench as interim head coach as Kenya begins preparations for its 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic qualifying campaign.
The coaching change became clear following the release of a 43-player provisional squad for Kenya’s upcoming second-round qualifying tie against Seychelles.
Beldine Odemba has left the national team role by mutual consent after three years in charge, bringing to an end a tenure that included guiding Harambee Starlets back to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Odemba took charge of the senior women’s national team in September 2023, succeeding Oduor, and oversaw 33 matches in all competitions. Kenya recorded 12 wins, four draws and 17 defeats during her tenure.
Her final major tournament was the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Starlets endured a difficult group-stage campaign.
Kenya lost all three Group A matches, opening with a 4-0 defeat against hosts Morocco before losing 2-0 to Algeria and 1-0 to Senegal. Starlets finished the group stage without a point or a goal and conceded seven times.
Oduor now returns to the position under significant time pressure, with Kenya scheduled to face Seychelles twice at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
The first leg will be played on October 8 before the return fixture on October 12. Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 3pm. The squad was expected to report to camp on October 2 to begin preparations.
Oduor previously served as Harambee Starlets head coach before Odemba took charge in 2023. Prior to his latest national team appointment, he worked as an assistant coach at South Sudan Premier League side El Merreikh Bentiu.
The technical bench has also undergone wider changes.
Former Harambee Starlets defender Mary Adhiambo has been appointed assistant coach, while former Zetech Sparks coach Bernard Kitolo joins as second assistant coach.
Former Gor Mahia goalkeeper Jerim Onyango takes over as goalkeeper coach, with Anima Odhiambo serving as team manager. Geoffrey Thomas joins as strength and conditioning coach, David Nabule Ndakal as team doctor and Enos Karani as physiotherapist.
Oduor’s 43-player provisional squad combines established internationals, returning players and several newcomers as Kenya looks to make a strong start to its Olympic qualification campaign.
Among the prominent returnees are Simba Queens midfielder Corazone Aquino, Gor Mahia Queens goalkeeper Monica Odato, Kibera Soccer Women defender Janet Mumo, Mathare United Women defender Wincaate Kaari and Haymanaspor midfielder Lavine Achola.
Kenya Police Bullets forward Faith Mboya, Wacker Innsbruck forward Sylvia Makungu and Madira Soccer Assassins attacker Charity Midewa have also been recalled.
Five players have received their first senior national team call-ups: Hellen Ochieng, Abigael Njeru, Mercyline Wafula, Josephine Warenga and Magneta Ocharo.
Oduor’s immediate task will be to reduce the provisional squad and prepare Starlets for the Seychelles double-header as Kenya begins its pursuit of a place at the 2028 Olympic Games.
