Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has been named the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Coach of the Month for October, following her remarkable feat of guiding the national women’s football team to the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Odemba, a CAF “A”-licensed coach, masterminded a flawless qualification campaign that saw Kenya defeat The Gambia 4–1 on aggregate, sealing their first appearance at the continental showpiece in nine years.
Her leadership stood out for its tactical organization, player rotation, and successful integration of young talent into the senior setup — qualities that earned widespread praise from both fans and football administrators.
Odemba edged out Nairobi United’s Nicholas Muyoti and other top coaches to claim the monthly honor, which comes with a Ksh 100,000 cash prize and a personalized trophy courtesy of SJAK.
The award, part of SJAK’s ongoing initiative to recognize coaching excellence across Kenyan sport, highlights the impact of Odemba’s work and the renewed optimism surrounding women’s football in the country.
This recognition not only celebrates Odemba’s individual achievement but also marks a defining moment for the Harambee Starlets as they prepare for WAFCON 2026 in Morocco, with hopes of reaching the knockout stages for the first time in Kenya’s history.
