FKF confirms Harambee Starlets' CECAFA Women’s Championship participation

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has officially announced that the Harambee Starlets will take part in the CECAFA Women’s Senior Championship, set to be held from Thursday, 12 to Sunday, 22 June, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

This marks the return of the regional women’s tournament after a three-year absence. The last edition, held in 2022 in Uganda, saw the hosts—the Uganda Crested Cranes—claim their maiden title with a 3-1 victory over Burundi in the final.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

Kenya’s confirmation comes as the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) completes the final touches in preparation for the championship.

The tournament is expected to serve as a vital warm-up for the upcoming CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled for next month.

For the Harambee Starlets, it will be an important stepping stone ahead of their September final WAFCON qualification round against The Gambia.

CECAFA’s Competitions Director, Yusuf Mossi, emphasised that the timing of the event was strategic to aid national teams preparing for WAFCON.

Harambee Stars suffer blow as influential winger withdraws from squad to Morocco

“This competition is especially important for teams like Tanzania, who have already qualified for WAFCON. But it will also benefit teams like Kenya, who are preparing for the next qualification round later this year,” Mossi stated.

In addition to Kenya, other nations that have confirmed their participation include hosts Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and South Sudan, with more CECAFA member countries expected to join soon.

Gor Mahia seek to appoint a foreign coach after receiving numerous applications

For head coach Beldine Odemba, the tournament presents an essential opportunity for the Harambee Starlets to gain competitive match experience.

Odemba has previously highlighted the importance of keeping the team active through high-level matches to aid in player development and team rebuilding.

Following the Women’s Championship, CECAFA will continue its action-packed 2025 calendar with several other tournaments lined up.

AFC Leopards midfielder explains his "I belong to Jesus" celebration

CECAFA 2025 calendar

CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship – June 12–22, Tanzania

CECAFA Beach Soccer Championship – July 7–12, Mombasa, Kenya

CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers – September 3–19, Tanzania

Dar Port Kagame Cup – September 13–27, Tanzania

AFCON U-17 CECAFA Qualifiers – November 15–30, Ethiopia

PREVIEW: Harambee Starlets set for key showdown against Morocco