Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba believes that the cash rewards from President William Ruto have played a major role in motivating the team to perform better in their international assignments.
After the team’s impressive 3-1 comeback win against The Gambia in the 2026 African Women’s Cup of Nations qualifier held at Nyayo National Stadium, Odemba shared that such incentives give the players something extra to fight for on the pitch.
On the eve of the game, President Ruto had pledged Ksh5 million to the team before kick-off, and after the victory, he added another Ksh5 million as a winning bonus.
Ahead of the return leg scheduled for October 28, 2025, in Senegal, the President has gone further to promise each player Ksh1 million if they win and qualify for the tournament in Morocco, or Ksh500,000 if they draw and still qualify.
This commitment, according to Odemba, provides more than financial relief; it fuels determination among the players.
“It was not part of the preparation, but of course, motivation always has a positive impact on the team. Players will always play for something, and they get a promise from 001; they are also looking for it,” Odemba said.
The coach noted that the promise from the Head of State adds a sense of national pride and personal drive among the players, helping them push beyond their limits in pursuit of success.
Harambee Starlets are now just a step away from qualifying for continental football after nine long years since their last appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2016.
Odemba said the squad is hungry to make history again and represent Kenya at the highest level.
The coach also praised the influence of experienced players like Corazone Aquino, Dorcas Shikobe, and Mwanalima Adam, who were part of the 2016 WAFCON team.
Their presence, she said, has been instrumental in guiding and motivating the younger players in the current squad.
“Apart from that, the girls are motivated to win because they want to play in the next Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. It has been nine long years, so there is that urge and hunger to qualify for WAFCON 2026,” Odemba said.
“To be a champion, you must have champions in your team, so it is a good inclusion; we have three players who participated in the WAFCON 2016, and it is also a good motivation to the others. They are speaking about the advantages and why we need to qualify. They are also ready to do it for the second time, so it is truly important to have experience in the team,” she added.
President Ruto also congratulated the team for their strong performance and encouraged them to maintain focus ahead of the return leg in Banjul. He assured them of his full support, emphasizing that the entire nation was behind them.
“As you prepare for the return leg, know that the entire nation stands behind you. Your success is our pride. Keep shining, keep winning, and let the spirit of Harambee continue to unite and propel our nation forward. Hongera Starlets! As promised, nitacheza kama mimi,” the President said.
With the promise of financial rewards, growing team spirit, and a mix of experience and youthful energy, the Harambee Starlets are now more determined than ever to make a return to continental football and bring pride to Kenya once again.
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