Interim head coach Godfrey Oduor has named a 43-player provisional squad featuring 15 foreign-based players as Harambee Starlets begin preparations for Kenya’s 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers against Seychelles.
The overseas-based contingent includes players from clubs in Romania, Tanzania, Turkey, Lithuania, Denmark, Uganda, Scotland, Spain, Austria, Egypt and Greece, underlining the growing presence of Kenyan players in leagues outside the country.
Foreign-based players selected are Romania-based goalkeeper Lilian Awuor of Farul Constanta, Simba Queens defender Ruth Ingosi from Tanzania, Turkey-based defenders Vivian Nasaka of Hakkarigucuspor and Haymanaspor duo Lavine Achola and Euphrasier Shilwatso, as well as Enez Mango of Politehnica Timișoara Feminina in Romania.
The midfield department has Lithuania-based Elizabeth Mideva of FC Gintra and Denmark-based Mwanalima Adam of HB Koge, while Uganda-based Marion Serenge of St. Noa Girls is also included.
The forward line has an even stronger international presence, with Violet Nanjala of Hibernians FC Women in Scotland, Valerie Nekesa of CD Tenerife Femenino in Spain, Sylvia Makungu of Wacker Innsbruck W in Austria, Jentrix Shikangwa of FC Masar in Egypt and Catherine Khaemba of Panetolikos GFS in Greece.
Oduor has also recalled several players with previous national-team experience as he prepares for the two-legged second-round tie against Seychelles.
The returning players include Simba Queens midfielder Corazone Aquino, Gor Mahia Queens goalkeeper Monica Odato, Kibera Soccer Women defender Janet Mumo, Mathare United Women defender Wincaate Kaari and Haymanaspor midfielder Lavine Achola.
Kenya Police Bullets forward Faith Mboya, Wacker Innsbruck W forward Sylvia Makungu and Madira Soccer Assassins forward Charity Midewa have also returned to the national-team set-up.
Five players have received their first senior call-ups. They are Kayole Starlets defender Hellen Ochieng, Madira Soccer Assassins defender Abigael Njeru, Gedion Starlets midfielder Mercyline Wafula, Vihiga Queens midfielder Josephine Warenga and Kayole Starlets forward Magneta Ocharo.
In goal, Oduor has selected Annedy Kundu of Kenya Police Bullets, Awuor of Farul Constanta, Vivian Shiyonzo of Kibera Soccer Women, Juliet Adhiambo of Trinity Starlets and Odato of Gor Mahia Queens.
The defensive options comprise Ruth Ingosi, Elizabeth Ochaka, Norah Ann, Leah Andiema, Mary Nthambi, Vivian Nasaka, Enez Mango, Janet Mumo, Wincaate Kaari, Elizabeth Muteshi, Hellen Ochieng, Lavine Achola, Euphrasier Shilwatso and Abigael Njeru.
In midfield, Oduor has picked Lorna Nyarinda, Martha Amunyolete and Aquino of Kenya Police Bullets, Fasila Adhiambo of Simba Queens, Mercy Airo and Lavender Akinyi of Ulinzi Starlets, Mideva, Adam, Wafula, Serenge and Warenga.
The forward line includes Kenya Police Bullets quartet Tereza Engesha, Faith Mboya, Eglay Mukhwana and Airin Madalina. The other forwards are Nanjala, Shaline Nambengele of Ulinzi Starlets, Nekesa, Makungu, Shikangwa, Ocharo, Midewa, Shirleen Opisa of Amus College in Uganda and Khaemba.
The players are expected to report to camp on Friday, October 2, to begin preparations for the Seychelles tie.
The first leg will be played at Nyayo Stadium on Thursday, October 8, with the return match scheduled for the same venue on Monday, October 12. Both matches will kick off at 3.00pm.
Starlets are seeking to make history by reaching the Olympic Games for the first time since women’s football was introduced to the competition in 1996.
Should Kenya eliminate Seychelles, they will meet either Malawi or Zimbabwe in the third round of the African qualifiers.
The qualification pathway will see 32 teams compete in the second round in October 2026, with 16 advancing to the third round in February and March 2027. Eight teams will then contest the fourth round in October 2027 before the final four teams compete in November and December 2027 for Africa’s two qualification places at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
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