Ouma axes four from Starlets squad for Algiers clash

Harambee Starlets Head Coach David Ouma has axed four players from the squad that has been in residential camp at the Safaricom Stadium Kasarani ahead of the team’s departure to Algeria on Wednesday.

Doris Anyango, Jacky Ogol, Winnie Kanyotu and Anita Adongo will miss the first leg fixture of the second round qualifier of the 10th edition tourney to be staged in Cameroon later this year.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Ouma said the team is fully prepared to take on the North Africans.

“The training facilities here have been highly beneficial to the girls. They look motivated and am sure we will get a positive result,” he stated, while taking time to recognize their opponents as one of the best footballing countries in the continent.

Meanwhile the Team Manager and former captain, Doreen Nabwire, has called on Kenyan fans to start focusing on the positives within the sport instead of always pointing out negatives.

“We can never succeed if we keep fighting among ourselves. We’re approaching continental tournaments so the competition is going to be very stiff. If we do not get enough backing from our home fans whom can we count on to cheer us through?” She posed.

“I dislike all this recent social media uproar against everything about Kenyan football. Of course the federation still needs some fixing but it is sad when your own fans stagnate any form of progress,” she added.

Starlets play Algeria on Friday with the return leg scheduled for Tuesday, 12 although the venue of the match is yet to be confirmed.

Qualifications for the November Afcon games are at stake and Starlets will hope they can hurdle over the Algerian test during the two-legged affair.

TRAVELLING SQUAD

Ann Aluoch, Weddy Achieng, Caroline Anyango, Christine Nafula (Spedag), Samantha Akinyi, Enez Mudeizi, Neddy Atieno, Esse Akida (KeMU), Ann Apondi, Pauline Awino, Tabaka Chacha, Martha Karimi (Makolanders), Anita Adongo (Thika Queens), Irene Ogutu, Dorcas Shikobe (Oserian), Mwanalima Adam (St Johns Secondary-Mombasa), Mary Kinuthia (Lady Cardinals –Uganda), Vivian Corazone (Kayole Starlets) Vivian Akinyi (True Colours).

TEAM OFFICIALS:

David Ouma (Head Coach), Mary Adhiambo (Deputy Coach), Lawrence Webo(Goal Keeper Trainer), Joyce Nduku Mbiti (Team Doctor), Mike Kamure(Team Manager), Rosemary Aluoch (Kits Manager).