In a dramatic twist just days before the Harambee Starlets begin their CECAFA Women’s Championship campaign, head coach Beldine Odemba has resigned, sending shockwaves through Kenya’s football fraternity.
Her resignation, effective immediately, is reportedly due to a lack of crucial support from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), a situation insiders say had reached a breaking point.
Odemba’s departure comes at a particularly inopportune time, as the national women’s team prepares to kick off its CECAFA tournament against Burundi on June 12 in Dar es Salaam. The Starlets will then face South Sudan on June 15 before concluding the round-robin group stage with a match against hosts Tanzania.
The sudden leadership vacuum has forced FKF’s technical department into an emergency search for a replacement. Kibera Soccer Women’s head coach David Vijago is the front-runner to take over on an interim basis. If approved by the FKF National Executive Committee (NEC), Vijago is expected to be assisted by former Vihiga Queens coach Alex Alumirah and ex-Harambee Starlets captain Ann Aluoch.
A Pioneering Tenure Cut Short
Appointed on September 2, 2023, Beldine Odemba quickly established herself as one of the most effective and inspiring leaders in the Starlets’ history. Her tenure saw a significant improvement in the team’s tactical organization, competitive spirit, and continental visibility.
Despite limited resources and administrative constraints, she led the team to a number of notable performances, helping elevate the status of women’s football in Kenya.
Her decision to step down comes shortly after the Starlets’ 5-1 international friendly defeat to Morocco in Tangier — a result that, while heavy, also exposed the lack of institutional support and structural preparedness around the national team program.
Dual Roles and FKF Challenges
In addition to leading the national team, Odemba also serves as head coach of Kenya Police Bullets FC, a top-tier women’s club. Her dual responsibilities further complicated matters as FKF struggled to provide consistent logistical and technical backing.
Uncertain Path Ahead
While FKF has yet to officially confirm her resignation, multiple federation insiders have acknowledged that discussions are already underway to appoint a new technical team in time for the CECAFA opener.
Fans and players have expressed concern over the timing of the move, with several players crediting Odemba for instilling renewed professionalism and belief within the squad.
The coming days will be crucial as Kenya’s women’s national team navigates tournament preparations without the coach who led them through a promising, albeit short-lived, renaissance.
