Kenya Police Bullets FC head coach Beldine Odemba, recently honored with the Coach of the Year award, has emphasized the need for renewed dedication and hard work following her recognition. Alongside her, Lydia ‘Ozil’ Akoth was named Most Valuable Player (MVP), further elevating the club’s achievements. Odemba, who led her team to their first league title in their debut season, views these accolades as stepping stones towards even greater success.
Beldine Odemba’s Dual Roles and Achievements
Odemba’s journey is marked by her ability to balance multiple demanding roles. In addition to her responsibilities at Kenya Police Bullets, she also coaches the Harambee Starlets, Kenya’s national women’s football team, and recently completed a six-month-long CAF A diploma course with distinction. Despite her impressive accomplishments, Odemba insists that now is the time to focus on the future and maintain the high standards that have been set.
“These awards mean that we need to roll our sleeves and work harder. The season that we were feted for is over, and so we have to shift gears to what is upcoming and aim to maintain being on top,” Odemba remarked. Her statement reflects a forward-thinking approach, recognizing that past successes should fuel future ambitions rather than lead to complacency.
Increased Expectations and Continuous Improvement
Odemba acknowledges that the recognition brings increased expectations not only for herself but also for her players and the team as a whole. “It is therefore a big challenge not only to myself but also to the team and Ozil (Akoth). She currently has competition and therefore must work hard to maintain that level of performance going forward,” she noted. This perspective underscores the importance of continuous improvement and the need for players to stay motivated and competitive.
Impact of Women’s Premier League Inclusion
The inclusion of the Women’s Premier League in the gala awards for the first time is a significant milestone, according to Odemba. “The gala award is a big motivation to women footballers in the country. Its impact is significant and will go a long way in ensuring that our football team keeps growing. The girls will now work hard, as everyone will want to ensure that they make it to the awards next time,” she noted. This recognition is crucial for the development of women’s football in Kenya, providing much-needed visibility and encouragement.
Beldine Odemba: A Trailblazer for Women in Football
Odemba’s success is particularly impactful as she is currently the only female head coach in the Women’s Premier League. Her achievements highlight the potential for women in football to excel and lead their teams to success. As a trailblazer, Odemba’s journey inspires other women to pursue leadership roles in sports.
Commitment to Building Depth and Talent Nurturing
Looking ahead, Odemba remains committed to building on this momentum and ensuring that both her team and players continue to perform at the highest levels. “We want to make sure that the Morans program is running throughout the year so that we can build some depth and also build some competition so that the guys on the top remain honest and don’t remain complacent,” she said. This commitment to continuous improvement and competition is key to maintaining high performance levels.
The coach also pointed out that the awards call for an increased focus on youth development and talent nurturing. She emphasized the importance of identifying and developing young players early on to ensure a steady pipeline of talent for the senior team. “We need to do a talent ID and get a few boys who can be in camp and we can be closely monitoring them and seeing how they will break into the team so that the team has a steady flow of athletes,” she continued.
Odemba’s Dedication to Excellence
Odemba’s dedication to her teams, her players, and her own professional development sets a powerful example. Her achievements serve as a testament to what can be accomplished through hard work, determination, and a passion for the game. As she continues to lead Kenya Police Bullets FC and the Harambee Starlets, her influence will undoubtedly help shape the future of football in Kenya, inspiring a new generation of athletes and coaches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Beldine Odemba’s recent accolades are not just personal triumphs but also significant milestones for Kenyan football. They bring with them a responsibility to uphold and exceed the standards that have been set. With her commitment to hard work and excellence, Odemba is poised to lead her teams to even greater heights in the coming seasons. The future looks bright for Kenya Police Bullets FC and the Harambee Starlets under her leadership.
