The 2024 Cecafa tournament wrapped up with Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) taking home the championship title. However, Police Bullets head coach Belidine Odemba emerged as one of the tournament’s standout figures, earning widespread recognition and the coveted Coach of the Tournament award. Despite her team’s final loss, Odemba’s debut in this prestigious competition was marked by her strategic brilliance and effective leadership.
Odemba’s journey to the final was anything but easy. She guided Police Bullets through a challenging field, including a thrilling semifinal victory over the reigning champions, Simba Queens. Her tactical acumen and ability to organize the team were evident throughout the tournament, setting her apart as one of the most promising coaches in the region.
In the final, Police Bullets faced CBE, a team that had already defeated them 2-1 in the group stages. Despite the odds, Odemba’s side put up a formidable fight, demonstrating the grit and determination that had become their hallmark throughout the tournament. Reflecting on the final, Odemba expressed pride in her team’s efforts, especially given the tough competition they faced.
“Being named Coach of the Tournament is a testament to the teamwork and dedication of our entire technical bench,” Odemba remarked. “Our players gave everything on the field, and you can only be recognized as the best coach when your team performs at the highest level.”
Now, with the Cecafa tournament behind her, Odemba is turning her attention back to domestic success. Her primary focus is on defending the Women’s Premier League (WPL) title, a championship her team won last season. “We need to regroup and push ourselves even harder to retain the league title and return to the next Cecafa tournament stronger and better prepared,” she said, outlining her plans for the future.
This year has been a busy and successful one for Odemba. Before leading Police Bullets in the Cecafa tournament, she guided them to victory in the WPL and secured a win at the Kenya Secondary Schools football championship with High Way Secondary School. Her ability to achieve success across different levels of the sport underscores her versatility and skill as a coach.
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Another standout performer from the Police Bullets squad was goalkeeper Annedy Kundu, who was recognized as the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament. Kundu reflected on the team’s journey, acknowledging their slow start but emphasizing the resilience and hard work that propelled them to the final. “Our progress throughout the tournament was due to the team’s relentless effort and determination to improve with each game,” Kundu said.
The highlight of Police Bullets’ campaign came in the semifinal, where they secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Simba Queens. Key players like captain Lydia Wanganda, Lucy Kwekwe, Diana Wacera, and Becky Okwaro played pivotal roles in this match, showcasing their talent and commitment to the team’s cause.
Police Bullets chairman Nyale Munga praised the team’s performance, emphasizing the spirit and determination they displayed throughout the tournament. “We entered this competition as underdogs, but we leave with our heads held high,” Munga said. “The skill, dedication, and spirit shown by this team are incredible. This tournament is just the beginning of our journey, and we look forward to building on this success.”
On the other side, CBE’s victory was sealed by Senaf Wakuma, who won the Golden Boot after scoring six goals, including a crucial strike in the 79th minute of the final. Under the guidance of coach Birhanu Gizaw, CBE finally claimed the Cecafa title after coming close in 2021 and 2023, where they finished as runners-up. Their long-awaited victory is a testament to their resilience and determination.
While the championship ultimately slipped from their grasp, Police Bullets and their coach, Belidine Odemba, have much to be proud of. Their journey to the final, marked by strategic brilliance, teamwork, and individual excellence, signals a bright future for the team and their determined coach. As they return to domestic competition, all eyes will be on how Odemba and her squad continue to build on this strong foundation.
