Flying to Miras

Wednesday, 15 July, was supposed to be an ordinary day. The Harambee Starlets were set to fly to France. A five-day camp in Miras, then Morocco. The first match of WAFCON 2026 against the tournament hosts was just ten days away.

But in the morning, everything went off plan.

The players refused to board the bus. They gathered at the FKF headquarters in Nairobi and chanted: “No money, no WAFCON.” They still hadn’t received their allowances for recent matches. The day before, President Ruto had stated that all payments had been made – 33 million shillings. But the players said: no, not all.

While fans discussed the news on social media and platforms like 888casino, the situation hung by a thread. The camp in France could have been cancelled. The entire preparation for the continent’s biggest tournament was in question.

But by evening, the conflict was resolved. Sports Secretary Elijah Mwangi and FKF President Hussein Mohammed met with the players. The funds were found. The plane took off.

Why France, Not Kenya?

The camp in Miras is no coincidence. It’s a deliberate strategic move.

In January, an FKF delegation led by President Hussein Mohammed visited Miras. They met with the mayor and inspected the sports facilities. The goal was clear: to give national teams access to the world’s best training conditions.

And now the Harambee Starlets are flying there.

Why Miras specifically? The weather. Miras has the same hot conditions as Morocco. It’s ideal for acclimatisation ahead of the tournament.

“This will be an acclimatisation period,” says coach Beldine Odemba. “We were told the weather there is similar to Morocco’s. It will help the girls prepare well.”

But it’s not just the weather. Odemba wants to work on fitness and psychology. “We’ll be working hard on their mentality, so they’re ready for the challenges,” she adds.

Who’s Flying and Who’s Leading

The squad has already been announced. 29 players on the preliminary roster.

Experienced names are back: Jentrix Shikwanwa and Lorna Nyaringa. Goalkeepers – Lilian Awour, Annedi Kundu, Juliet Adhiambo. In midfield – Lydia Akoth, Widah Akeyo.

The captain is Mwananlima “Dogo” Adam. In 2016, she missed the previous WAFCON due to school exams. Now she’s leading the team.

“Preparation has been intense,” she says. “I’m grateful to the coaches for their guidance. I’m focused on leading the team and helping us succeed.”

Group of Death – or Group of Opportunity?

The draw was unforgiving. The Harambee Starlets were placed in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Algeria, and Senegal.

Morocco are finalists from the last two WAFCON tournaments. Algeria and Senegal were quarter‑finalists last time. It’s what they call a “group of death.”

But there’s good news too. WAFCON 2026 also serves as qualifiers for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Four semi‑finalists earn their tickets.

Odemba doesn’t hide her ambitions. “We’re not going just to participate,” she declared. “We’re going to compete.”

FKF President Hussein Mohammed reminded the team about the men’s national team at CHAN 2024. Back then, Kenya were placed in a “group of death” with Morocco, Angola, and Zambia – and made it to the quarter‑finals. “I’m confident the Harambee Starlets can also achieve success,” he said.

Schedule: What and When

The tournament kicks off on 25 July and runs until 16 August.

Harambee Starlets’ matches:

• 26 July – Morocco (tournament opener)
• 30 July – Senegal
• 3 August – Algeria

The first two matches are against the hosts and one of the strongest opponents. The decisive match against Algeria could determine everything.

Presidential Farewell and Infrastructure Boom

On Tuesday, the day before departure, Ruto received the Starlets at State House. He handed the team the flag and said: “You’re going to Morocco to wear Kenya’s colours on African football’s biggest stage. There’s no greater honour for an athlete.”

But Ruto spoke not only of words. He cited figures: 4.5 billion shillings invested in supporting national teams in the past financial year. Talanta Sports City is 95% complete. 32 stadiums are under construction across the country. 10,000 young athletes are in development programmes. 6,000 coaches are undergoing training.

“This achievement is no accident,” he said. “Countries that consistently succeed in sport invest in young people long before the world knows their names. That’s what Kenya is doing.”

What to Expect from Miras

The camp in France is the final act of preparation. Two weeks of training in Miras, then a direct flight to Morocco.

Will there be friendly matches? Not yet known. But the key is acclimatisation and mental preparation.

Captain Adam called on fans to support the team. “I ask Kenyans to wish us luck and pray for us, because without them we can’t make it. As the president said, today he did his part – now it’s our turn to go and fight for the country.”