Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has been named the Betika/Sports Journalist Association of Kenya (SJAK) Coach of the Month for October.
Odemba was unveiled on Thursday at Nyayo Stadium after guiding Starlets to a 2nd CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualification milestone, just two years into her appointment.
Under her tutelage, Kenya eliminated Tunisia and Gambia to return to WAFCON finals for the 1st time since 2016.
Harambee Starlets will be competing in next year’s WAFCON set for Morocco between March 17th and April 3, following a 4-1 aggregate win over Gambia in the final round of qualification last month.
Unable to attend the ceremony, Ms. Marya Wachira, Betika Marketing Executive, 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 noted, “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. 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 honored to be that responsible corporate that is looking into the welfare and motivation of the coaches in the country.”
In a stunning display of recognition, 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.
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’s a true champion who has brought pride to Kenya after a long hiatus. The SKAK panel of scribes couldn’t have made a more deserving choice. Here’s to many more milestones and a continued legacy of excellence!”
“We’ve waited for this moment for a long time, and I would like to thank the organizers and Betika as the sponsor of this award for believing in the girls and my role as the coach. The girls displayed great character and heart every inch of the way. It hasn’t been easy, though, but we stayed focused and believed in our goal – to bring Kenya back to the WAFCON stage,” said Odemba, who now turns her focus to the 2026 WAFCON in North Africa.
Next Year’s WAFCON, which will feature 16 teams for the first time after being expanded from 12 nations, will be used as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA World Cup Qualifier.
