Harambee Starlets Coach Beldine Odemba has been named the Betika/Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Coach of the Month for October.
Odemba’s exceptional leadership paid off as she guided the Kenyan Women national football team, Harambee Starlets, to a historic CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualification milestone, a testament to her dedication and expertise, just two years into her appointment.
After eliminating Tunisia in February, the Starlets managed a 4-1 aggregate win over Gambia to secure the all-important ticket to Morocco. This marked a significant milestone for Kenyan women’s football, as the team returned to the continental showpiece after a nine-year hiatus.
Odemba was all smiles after bagging the Betika-sponsored monthly award at the Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi, noting that the girls displayed great character and commitment every inch of the way.
She said that the team had waited for this moment for a long time, and “I would like to thank the organisers and Betika as the sponsor of this award for believing in the girls and my role as the coach. It hasn’t been easy though, but we stayed focused and believed in our goal – to bring Kenya back to the WAFCON stage.” Odemba now turns her focus to the 2026 WAFCON in North Africa.
Coach Odemba was unanimously voted by the esteemed SJAK Panel of scribes, triumphing over a star-studded lineup of other formidable nominees, including Kevin ‘Bling’ Wambua (Shujaa Coach), Musa Benjamin (Kenya boxing tactician), Nicholas Muyoti of Nairobi United FC, hockey’s Meshack Senge, Simon Odongo (Lionesses Rugby coach), and national triathlon coach Camilla Lydya.
Wambua, who won this Award in September 2023, led Shujaa to retain the 2025 Safari Sevens Rugby title at Nyayo, whilst Senge – the National women’s hockey team coach (Blades) – Led his side to a bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations held in Ismailia, Egypt.
Musa, the national boxing team ‘Hit Squad” Head Coach, guided Kenya to the second overall spot at the Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championship held in Nairobi with 5 gold, 10 silver, and 8 bronze medals.
Panel Chairman Abuller Ahmed, who is also an SJAK Executive Committee member, on his part noted that Coach Odemba’s unanimous win is a testament to her outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence.
“She is a true champion who has brought pride to Kenya after a long hiatus. The SKAK panel of scribes could not have made a more deserving choice,” said Ahmed.
Betika Marketing Executive Marya Wachira sent her congratulatory message, commending Coach Odemba for the national team’s outstanding achievement in the CAF qualifiers and the pride it has brought to Kenya.
She said, “As a corporate, we believe in rewarding tacticians who work tirelessly to ensure the playing unit blossoms after burning the midnight oil, and we are truly honoured to be that responsible corporate that is looking into the welfare and motivation of the coaches in the country.”
“Heartfelt congratulations to Coach Odemba on this phenomenal achievement! Your dedication, passion, and leadership have not only inspired but have also brought pride to the nation,” she noted.
Kenyan women last played in the CAF WAFCON in 2016, when Cameroon hosted the tournament. Following the Gambia aggregate victory, the Starlets qualified for the 2026 edition, where the crème de la crème of the continent will converge.
By Anita Omwenga
