Harambee Starlets coach issues plea to President Ruto after allowances delay
.jpg)
_(1).jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 06.07.26. | 20:33
The team continues to demand their unpaid allowances from the matches played in Zambia during the FIFA Series tournament held back in June
Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has pleaded with President William Ruto to intervene by settling the team's delayed allowances ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Download our Mozzart Sport app for more news
Kenya booked a ticket to the continental tourney following a 4-1 aggregate win over The Gambia to mark a return to WAFCON after a decade in the cold.
However, the team continues to demand their unpaid allowances from the matches played in Zambia during the FIFA Series tournament held back in June.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the team's training session on Monday, 6 July at Kasarani Annex, Odemba called on President Ruto’s intervention on the matter, even as she requested the head of state to officially flag off the team before leaving the country.
“We are heading to the biggest tournament in Africa, but the girls have yet to receive their allowances for the past two matches. They need something to motivate them,” said Odemba.
“The girls have asked that the President see them off. That would mean support and also hoping that he will extend financial support,” she added.
The former Kenya Police Bullets FC head coach called on the President to also accord Harambee Starlets the Ksh1 million reward to every player for every win that Harambee Stars recorded during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
“We are hoping to get the same treatment as our male counterparts and are also hoping that the President can rally fans behind us to give us extra motivation.”
Starlets who had previously complained of neglect welcomed the presence of FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga in their camp and training ahead of WAFCON.
“It is good to always have leadership around. It shows that we have the backing of the top leadership. Having Mariga visit our camp is a good motivation. We are looking forward to seeing the FKF President and other FKF leaders,” she noted.
The 2026 WAFCON will be held from Sunday, 26 July to Sunday, 16 August in Morocco. Before then, Harambee Starlets will depart for Miramas, France, for a residential camp before heading to North Africa.