Starlets could shift base to Rift Valley for final Awcon preparations

Harambee Startlets could shift camp from Nairobi to the Rift Valley region for their final preparations of their debut at November’s CAF Africa Women Cup of Nations (Awcon) in Cameroon.

Head coach David Ouma told Citizen Digital he has proposed to Football Kenya Federation that the team trains in either Naivasha or Nakuru but nothing has been confirmed.

“We will assemble in Kasarani for preparations for two friendlies against Morocco and Cameroon but we want to train outside Nairobi in the final preparations for Awcon.

“Cameroon has tropic climatic conditions therefore, camping in Rift Valley will help us acclimatize with the condition we expect in Yaoundé,” revealed Ouma.

The ladies who lost the Cecafa Women Tournament final 2-1 to Tanzania resume camp on Monday after a brief break.

“Possibly we can leave for Morocco on October 9 depending on Government support. After the match we will host Cameroon in Nairobi on October 23 before travelling to Yaoundé for the return match on November 5.

“I want to give many players chances to show what they can do. The players who participated in COTIF Tournament and Cecafa will be trimmed to 23 for Awcon,” the coach said.

Starlets will take on the might of champions Nigeria in the 2016 Awcon, in Group B of the competition following the draw conducted on September 18 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Ouma’s side that made the continental showpiece for the first time when they knocked out Algeria in the final round of qualifiers in April will also play fellow West African titans, Ghana and Mali in their pursuit of a semi-final ticket from the tough group.

Besides making history after booking their first ever ticket to the continental competition, Starlets will be the first Kenyan team to make the continental senior finals since the men’s side made the 2004 Afcon in Tunisia.