Beldine Odemba: Harambee Starlets Coach Receives Massive State Award After WAFCON Qualification

Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba has received one of the highest state recognitions for her work in Kenyan football.

Odemba, who guided Starlets to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026), was feted by the government during the Jamhuri Day celebrations for her outstanding contribution to the game.

The former Kenya Police Bullets coach was conferred with the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) by President William Ruto during a ceremony held at State House, Nairobi.

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“She has emerged as one of Kenya’s most influential football visionaries, nurturing young talents and elevating the standards of both girls and boys football nationwide,” the awards committee described Odemba.

“Under her guidance, the Starlets team has delivered a strong performance in major competitions, including WAFCON qualifiers, and her impact continues to shape the future of Kenya’s football.

“She continues to inspire the next generation, making her a deserving recipient of the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS).”

Under Odemba, Starlets have experienced highs and lows and after coming close to qualifying for WAFCON 2024 before missing at the final hurdle, they went better this year, beating The Gambia in the final round of the qualifiers to seal their ticket to next year’s tournament in Morocco.

That has also seen Harambee Stars move up seven places on the FIFA ranking to position 133 globally in the figures released on Thursday.

Odemba also led Kenya Police Bullets to back-to-back league titles, going one season unbeaten, and continues to be a key figure in Kenyan football, both men and women, as she is also the Highway High School coach.

Order of the Burning Spear is the fourth highest state award in Kenya after Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart, Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart and Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart and is divided in three categories; Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS), Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) and Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS).

The award is presented to public dignitaries, professionals and exemplary members of the public service.