Odemba reflects on journey of transforming women’s football after state honour

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has reflected with pride on her journey in transforming women’s football after receiving a state honour during the Jamhuri Day celebrations.

Odemba was among several Kenyans honoured by President William Ruto on Friday, 12 December, 2025, when she received the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) in recognition of her leadership in guiding the national women’s team to their second Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) appearance.

Speaking in an interview with a local television station on Saturday, 13 December, the former Police Bullets coach expressed satisfaction at seeing years of effort begin to bear fruit.

“I have had the desire to change things in women’s football as a stakeholder. I dreamt of a time when women’s football earned the respect it deserves and the ladies got paid, and it’s happening. Many teams are now paying the ladies, with the exception of a few,” Odemba said.

Despite the progress, the tactician cautioned that sustaining growth in the women’s game would require deliberate collaboration and long-term investment from key stakeholders.

“There is a need for leaders, corporates, the ministry and the president to work together and engage stakeholders to attract sponsorship and ensure better pay for clubs. This is crucial in lifting the standards of the women’s game,” she added.

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Odemba recently inspired Kenya’s return to the continental stage after Harambee Starlets defeated The Gambia 4-1 on aggregate in last month’s WAFCON qualifiers.

The achievement etched her name into Kenyan football history, making her only the second local coach to guide the national women’s team to the continental tournament, and the first female coach to do so.

McCarthy, Odemba, Austin Odhiambo awarded by President Ruto during Jamhuri Day

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed was among the first to acknowledge Odemba’s contribution, describing the recognition as a reflection of her commitment and resilience.

“Congratulations to Coach Beldine Odemba and Mwanalima Adam (Dogo) on their well-deserved national honours,” Mohammed said in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday.