Akida and Madira Girls' Nekesa named in Harambee Starlets squad
Football
By
Washington Onyango
| Sep 06, 2023
Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba has named the provisional squad for the upcoming two-legged 2024 Africa Women Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualification round match against Cameroon's Indomitable Lionesses this month.
Starlets will travel to Cameroon for the first leg on September 22 before hosting the West African side in Nairobi on September 26.
The squad features a blend of in-form local-based players and experienced foreign-based players.
Madira Girls forward Valerie Nekesa and Kenya Police Bullets defender Quinter Owiti have earned their maiden senior team call-ups after impressing in the Junior Starlets squad.
Bunyore Starlets forward, Airin Madalina, Lavender Atieno and Simba Queens goalkeeper, Caroline Rufa will also be joining the team for the first time.
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Making a comeback to the national team are SK Slavia Praha midfielder Marjolene Nekesa, FC PAOK forward Esse Akida and Ulinzi Starlets' Mercy Airo.
FC Kryvbas attacker Cynthia Shilwatso, Vivian Corazone (Simba Queens), Jentrix Shikangwa (Beijing Jingtan) and Mwanalima Adam (Hakkarigucuspor) are among the regulars who have retained spots.
The team reports to camp on Sunday. [Additional reporting by FKF]
Harambee Starlets Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Valentine Khwaka (Kenya Police Bullets FC), Annedy Kundu (Ness Atromitou FC), Caroline Rufa (Simba Queens)
Defenders: Christine Awuor (Zetech Sparks), Lavender Atieno Okeyo (Kenya Police Bullets FC), Phoebe Owiti (Vihiga Queens), Dorcas Shikobe (Sirines of Grevena), Enez Mango (Farul Constanta), Wincate Kaari (Yanga Princess), Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor), Quinter Owiti (Kenya Police Bullets FC), Janet Moraa (Vihiga Queens).
Midfielders: Cynthia Shilwatso (FC Kryvbas Women), Sheryl Angachi (Ulinzi Starlets), Ketsia Ngaira (Ulinzi Starlets), Vivian Corazone (Simba Queens), Marjolene Nekesa(SK Slavia Praha), Mercyline Anyango (JFK Panthers).
Forwards: Jentrix Shikangwa (Beijing Jingtan FC), Topista Situma (Fountain Gates Princess), Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens), Mwanalima Adam (Hakkarigucuspor), Airin Madalina (Bunyore Starlets), Esse Akida (FC PAOK), Tereza Engesha (Hyundai Steel R.A), Purity Alukwe (Kenya Police Bullets FC), Violet Nanjala (AMLFF LAAYOUNE), Valerie Leah Nekesa (Soccer Assassins), Mercy Airo (Ulinzi Starlets)