Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Coach has named Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba as the Coach of the Month for October 2025.
Odemba guided the Starlets to qualify for the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to be staged in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026. The qualification marked Kenya’s return to the expanded continental showpiece after a decade of waiting with the country having last featured in the 2016 edition hosted by Cameroon.
Also Read: FIFA U17WC: Uganda begins campaign with a loss to Canada
Starlets completed a double victory over Gambia at the Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal, securing a 4–1 aggregate victory to qualify for the second in their history.
The Beldine Odemba charges, who were leading 3-1 from the 1st leg played at the Nyayo Stadium, won the return leg in Dakar, Senegal, 1-0 with captain Mwanahalima Adam scored the solitary goal in the 2nd half.
Odemba wade off a strong challenge from Kevin “Bling” Wambua (Shujaa coach), Musa Benjamin (Kenya boxing team), Nicholas Muyoti (Nairobi United FC), Meshack Senge (women’s hockey), Simon Odongo (Lionesses rugby), and national triathlon coach Camilla Lydya to the award.
Also Read: Harambee Stars to play Senegal in a friendly
SJAK Executive Committee member and panel chairperson Abuller Ahmed, while presenting the award, praised Odemba, stating,“Coach Odemba’s recognition is well-deserved. Her consistency, tactical acumen, and dedication have been key to the Starlets’ success and to restoring Kenya’s presence on the continental stage.”
The former Kenya Police Bullets head coach expressed her appreciation after receiving the award.
“We’ve waited for this moment for a long time. I thank the organisers for recognising the team’s efforts and my role as coach. The players showed great discipline and heart throughout the qualifiers. It wasn’t easy, but we stayed focused on our goal—to bring Kenya back to the WAFCON stage.”
The award comes with a KSh 100,000 cash prize and a personalised trophy from SJAK.
Also Read: Akwana blames match officials for Police’s loss
 Coach has named Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba Coach of the Month for October){kind=link}