Foreign based players arrive as Starlets get ready for Botswana

• The last batch of foreign based players arrived on Monday morning
• They will only have two days of training
• Kenya plays Botswana on Wednesday

The last batch of foreign based players arrived in Nairobi on Monday morning as national women’s football team Harambee Starlets intensified training ahead of their final Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Botswana on Wednesday.

Among those who arrived on Monday include the Morocco based Violet Nafula, Mwanahalima Adam and Vivian Nasaka (Turkey) as well as forward Cynthia Shilwatso (Ukraine).

The arrivals were a boost for the team as they prepare for the crucial tie against Botswana, with the winner of the two-legged fixture qualifying for next year’s WAFCON.

“The good thing is that they have been playing at their clubs and have picked the necessary fitness required, so it will not be a lot of work. As a team we have prepared well,” coach Beldine Odemba said.

Among the first players to join the training camp included the Simba Queens trio of skipper Ruth Ingotsi, midfielder Corazon Aquino and keeper Caroline Rufa. Also linking up with the team later was striker Marjolene Nekesa, who missed the second round game against Cameroon due to injury.

Starring in the Women’s UEFA Champions League 

Harambee Starlets striker Marjolene Nekesa during a training session

Nekesa plays her club football in the Czech Republic with top tier side Slavia Praha, and has been a key figure for the team in their local league and the Champions League as well, where they have qualified for the group stages.

Nekesa says she is excited to have finally linked up with the national team and is looking forward to giving her best to help the dream of qualification to next year’s WAFCON.

“I am delighted to have joined the rest of the team. The camp has been great and the modd is amazing. All players and coaches are ready to face Botswana,” Nekesa said.

She added; “My message to the fans is that I won’t disappoint them. I will do my best to give the team the results that are needed.”

Nekesa, who spent four years in the United States before her sojourn to Europe believes qualification to the WAFCON will be crucial in opening up more doors for Kenyan players to move abroad.

“Qualifying for the WAFCON is a great opportunity for Kenya. It is a great chance for coaches and players as it will give them a platform for exposure and to advance their careers,” noted the striker.

India-based defender Owiti also in 

Harambee Starlets defender Phoebe Owiti during a training session

Meanwhile, the team has also been boosted by the arrival of defender Phoebe Owiti who plays her club football in India. Morocco-based striker Violet Nekesa also joined the team’s camp in the morning on Monday.

Owiti, speaking after her first session, said the team is ready.

“I want to ask the fans to come out in large numbers to give us support and we will not let them down. We are ready, we have trained well and the focus is high,” she noted.

Botswana has already arrived in the country, and had a light training session Monday evening. They will have their official training at the Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

Starlets progressed to the final round of qualification after edging out giants Cameroon on post-match penalties following a 1-1 aggregate draw. And now, they hope they can replicate the same feat against Botswana, as they seek a second ever ticket to the Continental competition.

Kenya has ever qualified to the WAFCON only once before, in 2018, and missed out on the last competition after being locked out by CAF in the final round after Kenya was suspended by FIFA for government interference.