Why Harambee Starlets coach is eager to integrate Junior Starlets U-17 Women's World Cup break-out stars

Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba

Why Harambee Starlets coach is eager to integrate Junior Starlets U-17 Women's World Cup break-out stars

Stephen Awino 07:28 - 06.12.2024

Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba is looking to integrate youngsters from Junior Starlets' historic U-17 FIFA Women's World Cup with some already receiving call-ups to the senior side.

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba is looking to the future by integrating young talents from the Junior Starlets squad that participated in Kenya's historic campaign at the U-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Junior Starlets made history as the first Kenyan team to compete in a FIFA World Cup finals, a milestone that continues to inspire the nation’s football scene.

Odemba, determined to build a sustainable development pathway, has already begun incorporating standout players from the Junior Starlets into the senior team.

Among those called up are skipper Elizabeth Ochaka and goalkeeper Christine Adhiambo, who recently joined the senior squad for a friendly match against Morocco.

“We need to integrate young players because we need to have that feeder system,” said Odemba via Tata Sport.

“Ochaka has already shown that she is ready to play at the senior level, and players like Christine are coming up.”

Ochaka made her senior debut memorable by delivering a solid performance in the Starlets’ 5-0 triumph over Morocco on Tuesday, anchoring the defence that secured a clean sheet. Adhiambo, however, missed her opportunity to shine due to an injury sustained before the match.

Odemba emphasised the importance of blending youth with experience to ensure a seamless transition within the national team.

“We need to build a conveyor belt for these players to start interacting with the senior players that they will phase out so that we build without needing to start afresh,” she explained.

With the Harambee Starlets currently not involved in any major competitions, the team is using friendly matches to maintain match sharpness and assess emerging talent.

As Kenya continues to celebrate the strides made by the Junior Starlets, the nation can look forward to an exciting new chapter with young talent rising to meet the challenges of senior-level football.