By David Ndolo
Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has been crowned the Betika/SJAK Coach of the Month for October, following her remarkable feat of guiding Kenya’s women’s national football team to qualification for the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Odemba’s tactical brilliance and unwavering leadership bore fruit as the Starlets sealed a 4–1 aggregate victory over The Gambia, securing their return to the continental stage after a nine-year absence. Earlier in February, the team had edged out Tunisia to progress in the qualifiers.
The recognition marks a major milestone for Odemba, who has transformed the Starlets in just two years since her appointment, earning admiration for her commitment to excellence and player development.
While receiving the award, Odemba expressed gratitude to her players and supporters.
“We’ve waited for this moment for a long time. I thank the organizers and Betika for believing in the girls and my role as coach. The players showed great character and heart every step of the way. It hasn’t been easy, but we stayed focused on our goal — bringing Kenya back to the WAFCON stage,” she said.
Betika Marketing Executive Marya Wachira, who was unable to attend the ceremony in person, lauded Odemba’s achievement in a message read during the event.
“Heartfelt congratulations to Coach Odemba on this phenomenal achievement! Your dedication, passion, and leadership have brought pride to the nation. We’re proud to support coaches who work tirelessly to elevate Kenyan sport,” she said.
Odemba was unanimously voted the winner by the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) panel, beating a competitive field of nominees including Kevin “Bling” Wambua (Shujaa rugby), Musa Benjamin (boxing), Nicholas Muyoti (Nairobi United FC), Meshack Senge (hockey), Simon Odongo (Lionesses rugby), and Camilla Lydya (triathlon).
SJAK panel chair Abuller Ahmed described Odemba’s win as richly deserved.
“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,” he said.
Kenya last featured at the CAF WAFCON in 2016 in Cameroon. With qualification now secured, Odemba will turn her focus to preparing the Starlets for the 2026 tournament in Morocco, where the continent’s top teams will battle for glory.
