Starlets to compete in Rongai Tournament ahead of trip to Turkey

Harambee Starlets Head Coach David Ouma in a past match. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Harambee Starlets will head to Ong'ata Rongai over the weekend for a four team tournament before going to Turkey next month.

Starlets will play against National under 16 side, Dagoretti high school and the host Ongata Rongai Senior school a day before the ladies depart for Turkey.

The national team side secured an invite to participate in the 10 team Turkish women cup scheduled to take place from March 2 to 11.

Starlets will seek to put their name in the world of football while competing against Hungary, Venezuela, Hong Kong, Romania, Uzbekistan, Northern Ireland, Turkmenistan, Chile and the host Turkey.

Last week Starlets head coach David Ouma named a provincial squad for the Turkey Women Cup that did not include any foreign based players.

Sports enthusiasts expected Ouma to go for the likes of keeper Annedy Khundu, Ruth Ingosi, Corazone Aquino and Esse Akida who were active in the transfer window abroad, but the tactician opted for local-based players with Oserian’s Dorcas Shikobe expected to skipper the side.

Ouma will miss the services of Vihiga Queen midfield maestro Cynthia Shilwatso, who despite being named in the provincial squad excused herself from national duty as she seeks to complete her move to join Spanish top-flight side Logrono on a three-year deal.

Harambee Starlets's Cynthia Shilwatso (left) in action. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

“I have asked the coach to give me some time off as I continue to finalise my deal with my soon to be club in Spain,” said Shilwatso.

Foska Nashivanda from Zetech Sparks was called into the squad to take her place in the middle of the park.

The coach will name his final squad before they head out of the country.