The Harambee Starlets ended their campaign at the Pink Ladies Tournament in Turkey on a high note, securing a victory against the Philippines in their final group match on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

The tournament offered the Starlets invaluable international exposure, as they faced three highly ranked FIFA teams: Russia (ranked 27th), Chinese Taipei (41st), and the Philippines (39th). Competing against such strong opponents provided the team with an essential platform to assess their progress and adjust to top-tier competition, while also integrating emerging talent into the senior national team.

Exposure on the International Stage

Elizabeth Wambui, awarded Kenya’s best player of the tournament, expressed excitement about the experience, describing it as an eye-opener. “We’ve learned a lot from the teams we faced—they’re operating at a higher level. This has shown us areas we need to improve. The more we get these opportunities, the stronger we become,” Wambui said.

Reflecting on the team’s aspirations, she added, “We want to achieve more. We want to qualify for the World Cup, and each opportunity brings us closer to that goal. We’re grateful for this exposure.”

Captain Ruth Ingosi also emphasized the significance of such tournaments, stating, “Participating in these competitions gives players more exposure, boosts their game, and even opens doors to be scouted by clubs.”

FKF Deputy President Doris Petra echoed these sentiments, saying, “Playing against some of the world’s top-ranked teams has given our players perspective and critical exposure to the demands of international competition. This tournament not only highlighted areas for growth but also provided an excellent platform to integrate emerging talent into our senior squad. These experiences are key to our ambition of raising Kenya’s profile in women’s football and ensuring our players are prepared for the challenges of higher-level tournaments.”

Pictured: Elizabeth Wambui in action against Philippines

Incorporation of new talents

The Pink Ladies tournament provided an ideal environment to incorporate new talent into the senior squad. A total of 9 new players including 3 youth players.

Young players transitioning from the youth sides, the U18 and U20 ranks, like Fasila Adhiambo, Mollyne Akinyi, Anna Arusi, and Charity Mideva, seized the opportunity to showcase their skills and begin adapting to the demands of senior international competition.

3 of the 4 featured in the matches with Fasila, a standout from the U20 team earning her second call up to the senior squad, played a key role, appearing in all three tournament matches scoring a goal and assisting another. Charity and Mollyne also featured with Mideva playing two matches and Mollyne making a cameo against Chinese Taipei and showed great promise.

This experience marks a significant milestone for these players, facilitating a smooth transition to the senior level and supporting the team’s rebuilding and regeneration efforts. This has also shown the progression that has been made from these players from the youth sides to the senior side.

The tournament also served as an excellent opportunity to introduce other promising players like Providence Khasiala, Fanis Kwamboka, Norah Anne, Lucy Kwekwe, Lydia Akoth, and Beverline Achieng.

Pictured: Fasila Adhiambo in action against Chinese Taipei

Tournament Results

October 23, 2024: Chinese Taipei 1-0 Kenya (Emirhan Stadium, 4pm)

October 26, 2024: Russia 4-0 Kenya (Emirhan Stadium, 7pm)

October 30, 2024: Philippines 1-4 Kenya (Emirhan Stadium, 4pm)

 

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