The future of Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba is all but sealed, with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) reportedly making plans to part ways with her regardless of the outcome of Kenya’s crucial second-leg Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Tunisia.
Odemba on the Brink as FKF Plans to Revamp Technical Bench
After a disappointing goalless draw against Tunisia at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Friday, Starlets now face a daunting challenge in Tunis on Tuesday. With elimination from the WAFCON qualifiers looming, FKF has already begun the process of overhauling the coaching staff, with Odemba’s tenure set to end after the match.
Sources indicate that even if Kenya manages to secure a positive result in Tunisia, Odemba’s fate is already decided. FKF believes that for the team to progress and remain competitive on the continental stage, a new coach must be brought in to implement fresh ideas and tactics.
Fan Outrage Over Team Selection and Poor Performance
Odemba’s team selection against Tunisia has been a major point of contention among fans and stakeholders. One of the most criticized decisions was keeping Tanzanian Women’s Premier League top scorer Jentrrix Shikangwa on the bench until the 90th minute. This move frustrated fans, with some reportedly attempting to confront Odemba after the match.
FT
Kenya 0⃣-0⃣ Tunisia
A big second leg awaits! #HarambeeStarlets pic.twitter.com/wJtNgKWiAE
— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) February 21, 2025
With Starlets struggling to find a way past Tunisia’s defense in the first leg, many believe that better tactical decisions and substitutions could have secured a crucial home victory. Now, the team must pull off an unlikely result in Tunisia to keep their WAFCON qualification hopes alive.
Replacement Already Identified: Alexander Alumirah Expected to Take Over
Reports suggest that FKF has already identified former Vihiga Queens head coach Alexander Alumirah as Odemba’s replacement. Alumirah, who briefly led the Starlets in 2022 under the FKF Caretaker Committee, is highly regarded within Kenyan women’s football.
Sources reveal that there were initial plans for Alumirah to travel with the team to Tunisia as part of a transition strategy, but this idea was shelved. However, insiders confirm that it is only a matter of time before he is officially announced as the new head coach.
“The decision has already been made. Tuesday will be Odemba’s last game as Starlets coach unless something unexpected happens. It’s not about her as a person but about the team’s performance. The federation feels the technical bench needs new leadership to maximize the team’s potential,” a source disclosed.
Alumirah’s return is seen as a strategic move, given his deep understanding of Kenyan women’s football. His success at Vihiga Queens and his prior experience with the national team make him the ideal candidate to guide Starlets into a new era.
Odemba’s Record as Harambee Starlets Head Coach
Since her appointment in September 2023, Odemba has overseen eight matches with Starlets, managing just two wins—against Cameroon in a WAFCON qualifier and in a friendly against the Philippines.
Her record also includes two draws against Botswana and Tunisia, along with four defeats to Cameroon, Botswana, Chinese Taipei, and Russia. These results have not inspired confidence in her ability to lead the team to greater success.
FKF’s decision to part ways with Odemba is driven by a desire to see the team compete at a higher level. With a squad full of talented players, the federation believes that a change in leadership could bring better results and improve the team’s prospects on the continental stage.
Can Starlets Save Their WAFCON Dream?
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Odemba’s future, Starlets still have a chance to turn things around. To qualify for the final round of the WAFCON qualifiers, they must avoid defeat in Tunisia—a difficult but not impossible task.
A win or a high-scoring draw would be enough to secure progression. However, Tunisia will be playing with home advantage and will look to capitalize on any weaknesses in the Kenyan squad.
For Odemba, this match represents a final opportunity to prove her doubters wrong and leave her position on a high note. However, even a victory may not be enough to change FKF’s stance on her departure.
What’s Next for Kenyan Women’s Football?
With Alumirah likely to take over, FKF is looking to build a stronger, more competitive team. The goal is not just to qualify for major tournaments but to make a lasting impact. Alumirah’s expected appointment signals a new direction, one that prioritizes tactical discipline, player development, and a more attacking approach.
While Odemba’s tenure may have had its struggles, she played a role in guiding Starlets through a challenging period. However, FKF’s decision reflects the high expectations for the national team and the urgent need for change to ensure Kenya remains competitive in African women’s football.
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