Marion Serenge in as Odemba names Harambee Starlets squad for FIFA Women’s Series
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 31.03.26. | 11:55
The squad also sees the return of experienced strikers Mercy Airo of Ulinzi Starlets and Terry Engesha, who have been part of the national fold in the past
Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has unveiled her provisional squad for the FIFA Women’s Series, set to take place in Nairobi from 11-15 April 2026.
The tournament will also feature: Australia, India, and Malawi.
Download our Mozzart Sport App for more news
A standout inclusion is former Kenya U17 forward Marion Serenge, who earns her first senior national team call-up.
Serenge, a key member of the Junior Starlets squad at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, has impressed since joining Uganda's St. Noah FC, scoring six goals in just five appearances.
The squad also sees the return of experienced strikers Mercy Airo of Ulinzi Starlets and Terry Engesha, who have been part of the national fold in the past.
The tournament kicks off on Saturday, 11 April at Nyayo National Stadium, with two matches scheduled: Australia vs. Malawi at 2:00 pm, followed by Harambee Starlets vs. India at 6:00 pm.
The competition will conclude on Wednesday, April 15, with the third-place playoff at 2:00 pm and the final at 6:00 pm.
Players are expected to report to camp on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, ahead of the tournament.
The FIFA Women’s Series will provide the Starlets with a vital opportunity to face teams from different regions and playing styles ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will be hosted by Morocco from 25 July to 16 August.
Originally scheduled for March and April, the tournament was postponed.
.jpg)
Two of the participating teams are ranked higher than Kenya. Australia, ranked 15th in the world, is the highest-ranked team in the tournament, while India is ranked 67th and Malawi 153rd. Kenya currently sits at 134th in the FIFA rankings.
Coach Odemba emphasised the importance of the tournament in the team’s preparations.
“We are looking forward to the FIFA Women’s Series as an important part of our preparations for WAFCON. Playing against teams with different styles and strong international experience will help us assess the progress we have made and identify areas we need to improve,” she said.
Harambee Starlets provisional squad
Goalkeepers: Lilian Awuor (Farul Constanta, Romania), Annedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets), Lilian Adhiambo (Trinity Starlets)
Defenders: Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Norah Ann (Kenya Police Bullets), Elizabeth Ochaka (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorine Ilavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Euphrasier Shilwatso (Kayole Starlets), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor, Turkey), Janet Mumo (Kibera Soccer Women), Elizabeth Muteshi (Trinity Starlets), Alice Mideri (Vihiga Queens), Leah Andiema (Kenya Police Bullets), Enez Mango (Farul Constanta, Romania)
Midfielders: Mwanalima Adam (HB Koge, Denmark), Fasila Adhiambo (Simba Queens), Martha Amunyolete (Vihiga Queens), Mercy Airo (Ulinzi Starlets), Airin Madalina (Vihiga Queens), Vidah Sharon (Kenya Police Bullets), Terry Engesha (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorna Nyarinda (Kenya Police Bullets)
Forwards: Elizabeth Mideva (Ulinzi Starlets), Shaline Nambengele (Ulinzi Starlets), Eglay Mukhwana (Trinity Starlets), Shirleen Opisa (Amus College, Uganda), Marion Serenge (St. Noah, Uganda), Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens), Valerie Nekesa (Soccer Assassins), Linda Kihara (Kayole Starlets), Jentrix Shikangwa (Simba Queens)
.jpg)