• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 18 hrs ago

Harambee Starlets to play friendly matches with European teams ahead of WAFCON 2026

Harambee Starlets are set to benefit from high-level international exposure, with plans underway to organize friendlies with European teams ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President McDonald Mariga said the federation was working on arranging top-tier matches to prepare the team for the continental tournament set to be held in Morocco.

Mariga said FKF is keen to build on the lessons learned during the recent FIFA Series matches in Nairobi, where Kenya impressed despite mixed results. The Starlets secured a 2-0 win against India but fell by the same margin to Australia, a much higher-ranked side.

Those matches showed the team’s potential but also highlighted key areas that need improvement, especially in defence and finishing, after missing several scoring chances.

With many players based abroad, Mariga noted the challenge of assembling the squad for long training camps. However, he expressed optimism that early release of players from their clubs could allow for a well-organised training program, including a training camp in Europe.

“We want the players in camp early and organise more friendlies outside the country. A European camp will give them exposure to a higher level of competition,” he said.

The Starlets had earlier been scheduled to train in Miramas, France, before the tournament dates were shifted. It is still unclear whether that plan will go ahead or which teams they will face, but preparations are firmly on track.

Under head coach Beldine Odemba, Kenya is determined to make a strong impact at WAFCON, marking their return to the competition after a 10-year absence.

The tournament will run from July 25 to August 18, with Kenya aiming to prove they can compete with Africa’s best.