Aston Lukoye
- Beldine Odemba was tasked with the role of preparing the Kenyan team to ensure that the girls were competitive when the tournament. Starts.
- Coach Beldine has attained the CAF B coaching license and is among the few highly trained female coaches in Kenya.
Kenya will host the U-18 CECAFA girl’s tournament that will be played from 3rd June to 17th June and a member of the FKF Premier League side, Mathare United was appointed to prepare the Harambee Starlets for the regional showcase.
This tournament returns after 4 years and the FKF CEO, Barry Otieno expressed his gratitude to the CECAFA for granting Kenya the opportunity to host the event.
“We are happy to have the privilege to host this tournament. It aligns perfectly with our focus areas as a federation and we look forward to a fantastic showcase in June,” said Barry Otieno.
The new coach comes on board with a wealth of experience and all eyes will be on her as she has proven to be an astute coach owing to the teams she has managed before.
Experience-wise, Beldine has served both at the club and national level producing excellent results in her previous workstation.
She served as the Harambee Starlets team manager and during her stint, the Starlets made it to the AWCON. Beldine has also served as the coach of the Kariobangi Sharks U-15 side and managed to churn out talents that progressed well career-wise.
Some of the talents that she produced include Humphrey Aroko, who made his top-tier debut recently as a form three student at Highway High School. Others are Sigmunn Maina, Ghai Panchol and Isaac Wasambo.
After leaving Kariobangi Sharks, she joined AFC Leopards junior team before Mathare United acquired her services.
The Starlets coach also guided little-known Highway High School to a podium finish in the KSSSA and FEASSSA.
At the national level, Highway lost to Ebwali in the final, which was no mean feat considering they were debutants in the tournament.
In the East African games, her side also lost in the final to Kibuli Secondary School in Uganda.
The highlight of the tournament was when her side beat St Mary’s Kitende to book a place in the final. Kitende has won record titles in the FEASSSA games in the boys’ football category.
The Starlets U-18 team is already in camp in preparation for the tournament.
Uganda hosted the last edition of this tournament in 2019 with Kenya finishing as bronze medalists.
