The 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship kicks off this afternoon in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with Burundi facing defending champions Uganda Crested Cranes at the Azam Complex.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsThe regional tournament features five teams and will be played in a round-robin format, with each team playing four matches.Kenya’s Harambee Starlets, under head coach Beldine Odemba, are scheduled to begin their campaign on Sunday, June 15, against Burundi.##NAJAVA_MECA_8975648##However, questions are being raised over the team’s preparedness and the Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) handling of the national women’s team.Concerns have surfaced within local women’s football circles, with some insiders alleging that the federation may be inadvertently or deliberately undermining the Starlets’ chances.After a demoralizing 5-1 loss in Morocco during a recent friendly tour, the squad returned home, only to dismantle their training camp later.This move surprised many, especially considering that regional rivals Uganda and Tanzania remained in full training in preparation for CECAFA.“For sure, someone might say the office is setting up the coach. She’s going through a lot,” said a local women’s football coach, who requested anonymity. “After the game in Morocco, I expected the girls to remain in camp to maintain their momentum. Instead, they were released, while Uganda and Tanzania continued training.”Tusker striker eyes late-season heroics after injury layoffInsiders claim the turmoil in the camp predates the Morocco trip. Reports suggest internal sabotage, with some players allegedly acting under the influence of coaches aligned with their interests.“Before they even left for Morocco, there were already issues. Some coaches affiliated with strong people were using certain players to frustrate the head coach. The coach left frustrated, returned frustrated, and was immediately thrust back into a chaotic environment,” the source added. “How do you expect performance under such conditions?”Our CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship 2025 Fixtures#HarambeeStarlets pic.twitter.com/lY6TlDGdp1— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) June 13, 2025 The same source questioned the morale within the squad, particularly with the reintroduction of players allegedly involved in internal disputes.“Some individuals had even begun circulating their preferred squads in WhatsApp forums as if preparing to take over the team. Now that the coach is back, what happens? Will those players give their all for the coach or play for their masters?”Hii Harambee Starlets yenu mlisema tusiguze Coach so I’ll speak abt players. Players abroad perform well every week wakiwa clubs zao. They don’t do the same wakikuja NT. Are they just ‘lazy’ or our TB (led by Coach) can’t get the best out of our ‘best players’ #FootballKE pic.twitter.com/cItmM3pwvV— OmondiWinston (@ItisWinston) June 5, 2025 ##NAJAVA_MECA_8975649##Despite these troubling signs, official channels maintain that all is well. However, insiders warn that the situation is far from stable.“The house may appear intact from the outside, but there’s smoke inside,” the source said. “Some are dismissing it as rumour, but time will tell. With the way preparations have been handled, the team’s chances are slim.”In a surprise move, FKF on Thursday appointed former Harambee Starlets head coach Godfrey ‘Solo’ Oduor as Odemba’s assistant for the tournament.Breakdown of Ksh16.6 billion allocated to sports in new budgetOduor, who briefly led the Starlets in 2021, replaces Jackline Juma, Odemba’s long-time assistant. His appointment is said to be temporary, only for the duration of CECAFA.The timing and manner of Oduor’s appointment have raised further questions about internal dynamics and FKF’s long-term vision for the team.
