The Harambee Starlets will represent Kenya in the 2024 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship, scheduled for June 12–22 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed the Starlets’ participation, noting the tournament will feature five nations: Kenya, hosts Tanzania, South Sudan, Burundi, and Uganda.
Organized by CECAFA in partnership with the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), the regional competition aims to help teams prepare for the 2025 Africa Women Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to kick off in Morocco next month.
Currently, the Mildred Cheche-led Starlets are in Morocco, where they are set to play the host nation’s Atlas Lionesses in a friendly match on Wednesday evening in Tangier. FKF stated that the Starlets’ involvement in both the CECAFA tournament and high-profile friendlies underscores its commitment to giving the team meaningful international exposure.
Meanwhile, Harambee Stars have suffered a setback ahead of their upcoming friendlies against Chad after winger Mohammed Bajaber was ruled out with an injury sustained during training on Tuesday. Team doctor Wycliffe Makanga confirmed the injury, stating that no replacement would be named. The remaining 23-man squad will travel to Morocco for the matches scheduled for June 7 and 10 in Marrakech.
Bajaber, 22, impressed in his debut earlier this year during the CAF World Cup qualifiers, notably scoring a stunning equalizer in a 3–3 draw. His absence adds to the team’s challenges, following the recent withdrawal of veteran midfielder Victor Wanyama, who cited personal commitments after briefly coming out of retirement.
The Chad friendlies form part of the team’s preparation for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), as coach Bennie McCarthy continues to shape a competitive squad for upcoming continental assignments.
Written By Rodney Mbua
