Kenyan football tactician Beldine Odemba has earned the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Coach of the Month award for October 2025, following a stunning performance that delivered national glory.
Odemba, a CAF “A”-licensed coach, masterminded a compelling campaign that saw the Starlets defeat the Gambia in both legs of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers, clinching their spot in the continental competition for the first time in nine years.
SJAK’s Coach of the Month award is presented to leaders whose tactical ingenuity and results significantly enhance Kenyan sport.
Past recipients of the award include Benni McCarthy, who was recognized following Kenya’s run to the CHAN 2024 quarter-finals, and Julius Kirwa, head coach of Team Kenya at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where the team won 11 medals.
Beldine Odemba’s Excellent WAFCON Run
The return to the WAFCON finals is hailed as a “new dawn” by FKF President Hussein Mohamed and has ignited national pride.
Coach Odemba’s strategic squad rotation, emphasis on youth integration, and focus on unity proved decisive.
Starlets’ journey began in the second round of qualifiers against Tunisia on February 21, where they played the first leg at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, a match which ended in a goalless draw.
Five days later, on February 26, the team traveled to Tunisia for the decisive second leg at Stade Olympique de Rades, also known as Stade Olympique de Sousse, and emerged victorious with a 1–0 win.
The lone goal came from forward Tereza Engesha, whose clinical finish in the second half sealed the aggregate win and propelled the Starlets into the final qualification round.
In October, Kenya faced The Gambia in a two-legged playoff, with the first leg taking place on October 20.
The visitors stunned the home crowd with an early goal, but Starlets responded swiftly and emerged with a 3-1 victory, which gave Kenya a crucial advantage heading into the return leg.
The second leg was held on 28 October 2025 at Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal, where Kenya won 1-0. With an aggregate score of 4-1, the Starlets officially booked their ticket to WAFCON, marking their first qualification since 2016.
Following the qualification, Odemba urged federations and the government to ensure rigorous planning:
“We don’t want to go as participants; we want to compete with the best.”
SJAK Awards Relaunch and Importance
In March 2025, the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) renewed the monthly coaching awards through a one-year Sh6 million partnership with Betika.
Each month’s winner received Ksh100,000, sports equipment, and a trophy, signalling a renewed commitment to celebrating coaching excellence across all sports.
SJAK President James Waindi emphasized the importance of the awards, stating that they shine a spotlight on coaches who work behind the scenes and foster competitiveness within Kenyan sports.
There are also personality-of-the-month awards, which recognise outstanding individuals across sports.
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Brynne Omondi was recognised in September 2025 for the SJAK/LG Personality of the Month.
Being named Coach or Personality of the Month brings visibility, which can lead to further opportunities, sponsorships, or support.
By involving media (via SJAK), these awards help build stronger linkages between journalists, coaches, athletes, and sponsors.
Odemba’s Vision and Mission
Odemba has publicly stated that she actively integrates younger players into the Harambee Starlets senior team to secure the future of Kenya women’s football.
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After qualifying for the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco, Odemba has urged the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Ministry of Sports to establish a preparation roadmap, including scheduled training camps and access to adequate support facilities.
She also aims to use international friendlies during upcoming dates to test tactics and build match fitness.
Odemba has also stated that she aims to reach the 2026 WAFCON quarter-finals with Starlets, a feat that would make history in Kenya.
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