Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has revealed the reason as to why she called up many young players to the national team.On Tuesday 4 February 2025, Odemba named a 36-player provisional squad for the upcoming two-legged 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Tunisia.Beldine Odemba names Harambee Starlets provisional squad for WAFCON qualifiersIn the squad, Odemba gave a second call up to Elizabeth Ochaka, who captained Junior Starlets in their historic 2024 FIFA U 17 Women’s World Cup campaign, as well as gave Benedete Atieno, Alive Mideri and Tabitha Amoit their maiden call ups after previously turning out for the U 20.In an interview with Telecomasia.net, the former Mathare United assistant coach said that the call ups are in anticipation of preparing a team that can compete not only now, but also in future.“I have always wanted to build a conveyor belt that can give us a competitive team in the next five or so years and the best way to do this is to start by infusing them into the squad early enough,” said Odemba.The Kenya Police Bullets coach added that the experience that will be gained by the youngsters at their early ages will make them a dominant force at their peak.“We want them to come in and gain valuable experience and also compete for a place in the team. Once they get used to this level at their young age, it will be easy for them to handle the pressure in the next few years,” she added.Harambee Starlets will host their Tunisian counterparts in the first leg scheduled for Friday 21 February 2025 before travelling to Tunis for the return fixture on Tuesday 25 February 2025.Full Harambee Starlets Squad.GoalkeepersAnnedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets), Vivian Shiyonzo (Kibera Girls Soccer), Lilian Awuor (Farul Constanta, Turkey), Lavender Abongo (KISPED Queens)DefendersRuth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Dorcas Shikobe (Sirines of Grevena, Greece), Benedete Atieno (KISPED Queens), Elizabeth Ochaka (Kenya Police Bullets),Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor), Wincate Kaari (Simba Queens), Alice Mideri (Vihiga Queens), Leila Apiyo (Sirines of Grevena, Greece), Tabitha Amoit (Ulinzi Starlets), Enez Mango (Farul Constanta, Turkey), Mary Nthambi (Kenya Police Bullets), Janet Mumo (Kibera Girls Soccer)MidfieldersCorazone Aquino (Simba Queens), Sheril Angach (Ulinzi Starlets), Martha Amnyolet (Vihiga Queens), Lydia Akoth (Yanga Princess), Fasila Adhiambo (Ulinzi Starlets), Lavender Ann Akinyi (Ulinzi Starlets), Yvonne Idagiza (Kibera Girls Soccer), Cynthia Shilwatso (Besiktas, Turkey), Beverline Adika (Zetech Sparks)ForwardsMwanalima Adam (Kansas, USA), Elizabeth Mideva (Archbishop Njenga), Tereza Engesha, Rebecca Okwaro (Kenya Police Bullets), Violet Nanjala, Elizabeth Wambui ( (Simba Queens), Jentrix Shikangwa (Simba Queens), Janet Bundi , Faith Mboya ( Kibera Girls Soccer), Catherine Khaemba (Bungoma Queens), Emily Moranga (Kenya Police Bullets)
