Kenya U20 duo open up on journey of earning Harambee Starlets call-up

Kenya's U20 women's team, the Rising Starlets, duo of Lorine Illavonga and Elizabeth Omuteshi, have shared details of their path to earning their maiden call-ups to the Harambee Starlets.

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For Illagonga, it has been nothing but a steady rise through the ranks, from Wiyeta secondary school to representing Kenya in their historic maiden U17 Women's World Cup and later to the Rising Starlets and currently with the senior team, Harambee Starlets.

The skillful central defender who also earned a move to the military side Ulinzi Starlets, where she has been a key figure, catching the eye of the national head coach Beldine Odemba.

Speaking at the sidelines of Harambee Starlets training at Kasarani Annex, the teenager opened up on earning the call-up.

“It is my first time with the senior team, and I thank God for it. It has not been easy. It takes hard work, self-belief, and confidence to achieve it. I want to continue working hard and grasp the coach's instructions while giving my all,” Illavonga told FKF Media.

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For Omuteshi, the journey has not been as direct as that of Illavonga. The Trinity Starlets midfielder had to wait for over two years since representing the Rising Starlets, but was always encouraged by the words of Beldine Odemba.

“Getting the first senior call-up was great. The last time I was with the U20 in 2023, when we played Cameroon, and after the match, the coach told us to go back and work hard for a senior call-up and showcase our talents.

I worked hard to be here, and I hope that I am giving my best to make it to the final squad to showcase what I can do for my country,” said Omuteshi.

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Harambee Starlets are in camp in preparation for the upcoming two-legged 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against The Gambia.

Kenya will host the first leg on Friday, 24 October, before flying out for the return leg scheduled for Tuesday, 28 October at the Stade Lat Dio in Senegal.