Beldine Odemba, coach of Harambee Starlets, has been named October's best coach by the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) in partnership with Betika. She guided her team to qualify for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Kenya returns to the tournament after a 10-year absence.
Beldine Odemba, coach of Kenya's national women's football team Harambee Starlets, has been announced as the best coach of October. The announcement was made yesterday by the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) in partnership with Betika. Odemba was voted by an SJAK panel of journalists, defeating others including Kevin Wambua, rugby coach of Shujaa, Musa Benjamin, Kenya's boxing coach, Nicholas Muyoti of Nairobi United FC, Meshack Senge of volleyball, Simon Odongo, rugby coach of Lionesses, and Camilla Lydya, national triathlon coach.
Odemba led Starlets to qualify for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) by defeating Gambia 4-1 on aggregate in the second and final qualifying round. The tournament will be held in Morocco, marking Kenya's return after 10 years since 2016 in Cameroon. The A-license coach received a trophy and a cheque for Sh 100,000.
“We waited a long time for this moment. I would like to thank Betika for recognizing female players and my work as a coach. The players showed hunger to qualify for WAFCON in every match,” Odemba said. She added, “It wasn't easy but we believed and ensured we brought Kenya back to WAFCON.”
Marya Wachira, Betika's Marketing CEO, stated, “Congratulations to Coach Odemba on these achievements. Your dedication and leadership have not only inspired but also brought pride to the nation.” Panel chairman Abuller Ahmed added, “Coach Odemba's unanimous win is evidence of her excellent leadership and unwavering commitment. She is a true champion who has brought pride to Kenya.”
This victory highlights progress in women's sports in Kenya, particularly in football.