Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed has addressed the future of Harambee StarletsTeam·Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba, confirming that a comprehensive review will be undertaken following the national women's team's disappointing performance at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in MoroccoTeam·Morocco.
The Harambee StarletsTeam·Harambee Starlets, making their return to the continental showpiece after a decade, exited the tournament at the group stage without securing a single point or scoring a goal. Their campaign in Group A saw them suffer three consecutive defeats: a 4-0 loss to hosts MoroccoTeam·Morocco, followed by a 1-0 defeat against Senegal, and a 2-0 loss to AlgeriaTeam·Algeria in their final group match. This left Kenya at the bottom of their group, leading to their early elimination.
In the wake of the WAFCON exit, President Mohammed stated that the federation's technical committee would conduct a thorough analysis of the team's results and the coach's position.
"We will conduct a thorough review with our technical department to analyze the cause of these poor results," Mohammed stated. "Once the final report is out, we will decide on the coach's future."
Despite the immediate disappointment, Mohammed emphasized a long-term vision for the team, acknowledging that building a strong national side requires sustained effort and time. He highlighted the valuable experience gained from participating in the tournament.
"The most important thing is that we have gained valuable experience. It is disappointing that we did not win a single match, but we will go back, correct our mistakes, and plan well to build a stronger team for the future,"— Hussein Mohammed.
He further elaborated on the federation's commitment to development, noting, "I have been in the office for one and a half years and Football is built in 10-15 years. Give the Federation time, we will build a strong women team." Mohammed also dismissed allegations of inadequate preparations, asserting that the federation provided ample support, including an international pre-tournament camp in MiramasVenue·Miramas, France, and ensured all player allowances and promised bonuses were disbursed.
The Harambee StarletsTeam·Harambee Starlets' early departure from WAFCON 2026 means they fell short of their objective to reach the semi-finals, a feat that would have secured Kenya's maiden qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup. The national team's immediate focus now shifts towards a comprehensive rebuilding program, as outlined by President Mohammed, which will prioritize nurturing young talent and integrating experienced players to bridge the gap with Africa's elite footballing nations.
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