Harambee Starlets defender confident of overcoming Gambia in WAFCON qualifiers
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 16.10.25. | 15:50
Ilavonga also shone at the CAF U17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament in Tanzania, where she was named among the Best XI
Harambee Starlets defender Lorine Ilavonga believes Kenya has what it takes to beat The Gambia in their upcoming CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers next week.
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Ilavonga, who will be making her senior team debut, was a pillar in Kenya’s defence during the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup last year.
She attributes her call-up to the senior ranks to her standout performances at the junior level.
The Starlets have intensified their preparations for the two-legged tie, with the first leg scheduled for Friday, 24 October, in a 6 PM kick-off at Nyayo Stadium, and the return match set for Tuesday, 28 October, at Stade Lat Dior in Thiès, Senegal.
For Ilavonga, her rise from the youth setup to the senior team reflects a journey of faith, discipline, and quiet determination.
“I thank God for this opportunity, and I promise to do my best. It doesn’t come easy, you must believe in yourself and have confidence,” said Ilavonga.
I want to work hard and follow the coach’s instructions to the letter. It’s about stepping out of the comfort zone and doing what needs to be done.”
An alumnus of Wiyeta Girls, Ilavonga views her debut not just as a personal milestone but also as proof of Kenya’s growing investment in nurturing women’s football talent.
With her grounded mindset and steady rise through the ranks, she is ready to embrace the new challenge.
“It’s every player’s dream to represent their country at the top level. Now that the chance has come, I’m giving it everything,” she said.
The Starlets are currently training in Thika, undergoing intense sessions under head coach Beldine Odemba, who has blended youth and experience as she chases Kenya’s first WAFCON qualification since 2016.
Under Odemba’s watch, the focus has been on tactical awareness, coordination, and maintaining high intensity.
The coach describes the camp atmosphere as “driven and united,” with every player motivated by a shared mission to take Kenya back to the continental stage.
Odemba hailed Ilavonga’s maturity and composure, describing her as a valuable addition to the backline.
“Ilavonga’s track record speaks of quiet excellence,” said Odemba.
"She was a key figure in the historic U17 team that qualified for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup without conceding a goal in the qualifiers.”
Ilavonga also shone at the CAF U17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament in Tanzania, where she was named among the Best XI.
At the World Cup, she played a vital role in Kenya’s first-ever victory on the global stage, a 2-1 triumph over Mexico.
Now, she brings that same hunger and composure to the senior team as the Starlets aim to reclaim their place among Africa’s elite.
Her youth-level heroics caught the attention of several top-tier clubs before she joined Ulinzi Starlets, a side known for its discipline and tactical structure.
“Every level has prepared me for this. I’ve learned that consistency and discipline always pay off; now it’s time to fight for Kenya,” she said.
