Kenya women’s national team Harambee Starlets will head into the 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship without their assistant captain and seasoned midfielder Corazone Aquino.Aquino, who plies her trade for Tanzanian Women’s Premier League champions Simba Queens, confirmed that her absence from the tournament was due to personal reasons.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsThe player, alongside winger Elizabeth Wambui, were reportedly dropped from the squad after failing to report to camp before the team’s departure to Tanzania on the night of Wednesday, 11 June.In a statement, the Starlets’ deputy captain addressed speculation surrounding her non-involvement in the regional showpiece, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to the national team.Chaos in Camp: Are Harambee Starlets being set up for failure?“I wanted to take a moment to address the information circulating regarding my absence from the national team. It’s important for me to clarify that I have never missed a call-up for my beloved country, Kenya, since I started playing,” she stated.“While I did miss this recent opportunity, it was due to personal reasons that require my immediate attention. Please understand that my love for Kenya remains strong, and I will continue to be available to represent our nation once I have resolved my current issues. Those who already know the issue will understand.”©Tabby NashipaeWhile her message was met with sympathy and support, the situation has amplified growing concerns over the Harambee Starlets’ overall preparedness and the Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) management of the team.##NAJAVA_MECA_8976424##The national women’s team recently returned from a humbling 5-1 friendly defeat to Morocco, after which the training camp was abruptly dismantled.This decision has raised eyebrows, especially in contrast to regional rivals Uganda and Tanzania, who have remained in full training ahead of the CECAFA tournament.The 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship kicks off on Thursday, 13 June, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.Harambee Starlets stagnate in latest FIFA rankingsThe tournament features five nations in a round-robin format, with each side playing four matches.Hosts Tanzania, defending champions Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and Kenya will all battle for the regional crown.Kenya’s campaign begins on Sunday, 15 June, when the Starlets face Burundi under the guidance of head coach Beldine Odemba.
