Excitement is building around the Harambee Starlets after head coach Beldine Odemba unveiled a 31-player provisional squad for the upcoming FIFA Women’s Series set to be hosted in Nairobi.
Highlights:
- Harambee Starlets name 31-player squad for FIFA Women’s Series
- Marion Serenge earns first senior team call-up
- Terry Engesha returns to the national team
- Tournament to be held at Nyayo Stadium from April 11–15
- Competition to prepare team for 2026 WAFCON
Main Story:
Squad Announcement Ahead of Historic Tournament
Harambee Starlets have officially kicked off preparations for the inaugural FIFA Women’s Series with the announcement of a 31-player provisional squad.
The tournament, which will take place at the Nyayo National Stadium, will see Kenya face off against Australia, India, and Malawi between April 11 and April 15.
Players are expected to report to camp on April 1 as the team begins intensive preparations on home soil.
New Faces and Key Returns
One of the standout inclusions is rising star Marion Serenge, who earns her first senior national team call-up. The young forward impressed during the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and has continued her strong form at club level in Uganda.
Also making a return is Terry Engesha, whose recent performances with Kenya Police Bullets have earned her a spot back in the national setup.
Midfielder Mercy Airo has also been recalled following an impressive run with Ulinzi Starlets.
Tournament Fixtures
The FIFA Women’s Series will kick off with Australia facing Malawi at 2:00 pm, followed by Kenya’s clash against India at 6:00 pm on April 11.
The competition will wrap up on April 15, with the third-place match scheduled earlier in the day before the final in the evening.
Tough Test Against Global Opponents
The tournament presents a major test for the Starlets, who will face teams with varying styles and global rankings.
Australia come in as the highest-ranked side at 15th in the world, followed by India at 67th and Malawi at 153rd. Kenya currently sits at 134th, making the tournament a valuable benchmark for the team’s progress.
Building Toward WAFCON 2026
Coach Odemba emphasized that the competition will be crucial in preparing the team for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
She noted that facing diverse international opposition will help the technical bench assess the team’s strengths and identify areas that need improvement ahead of the continental showpiece.
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