Harambee Starlets defender reveals how facing Chelsea, Arsenal stars is boosting WAFCON readiness
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 08.07.26. | 09:31
After a 10-year hiatus, Kenya booked a place in the 2026 WAFCON that will be held from Sunday, 26 July to Sunday, 26 August in Morocco
Kenya international Enez Mango has disclosed how rubbing shoulders with Chelsea striker Sam Kerr and Arsenal forward Caitlin Foord will spur Harambee Starlets in their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign.
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After a 10-year hiatus, Kenya booked a place in the 2026 WAFCON that will be held from Sunday, 26 July to Sunday, 26 August in Morocco.
The continental tournament comes just three months after Starlets faced a star-studded Australian team that boasted the likes of Kerr and Foord in the inaugural FIFA Series held at Nyayo National Stadium.
Speaking to the press on the sidelines of the team’s training session at Kasarani Annex, Mango noted the importance of facing a star-studded Australian side.
“It helps because they (Australia Women) are more tactical and of good quality, which challenges us. We will meet equally gifted and talented players from our opponents who play outside the continent, and the previous experience helps in knowing how to handle them,” said Mango.
The 33-year-old defender also lifted the lid on how the recent Four Nations Tournament matches against Zambia and Lesotho have boosted the team’s preparations.
“There have been some little changes in training to spice it up and make amends for the mistakes we made in the friendly matches. My goal is to provide maximum assists to help the team reach the semi-finals,” she added.
As one of the most experienced players in the team, Mango, who plies her trade in Romania with FCV Farul Constanța, also disclosed her role in mentoring the younger players in the squad.
“I encourage the young players to have the confidence to compete. We are blessed to have a good combination of both young and experienced players. The young ones are coming up strongly and competitively,” she stated.
Further, the former Vihiga Queens defender expressed her confidence in Starlets' ability to qualify from the 'group of death'.
“Our group looks tough, but it is doable, and we are all ready for it. We do not fear Morocco, Algeria or Senegal. We are just going to face them like any other opponent,” she remarked.