Harambee Starlets' defender Hellen Ochieng/ HARAMBEE STARLETSHarambee Starlets'Hellen Ochieng has survived the first big test of her journey, retaining her place in the final squad.
Head coach Godfrey Oduor cut his provisional list from 43 to 24 players ahead of Kenya’s Olympic qualifier against Seychelles. The Shabana Starlets defender was among five players handed maiden senior call-ups when Oduor unveiled his provisional squad last week. Only Ochieng has made it through to the final group.
Rather than simply being content with making the squad, the defender wants to contribute to a team whose immediate objective is to advance in the African qualification race for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Kenya will face Seychelles in the first leg on Thursday, October 8, at 3 pm before the return match on Monday, October 12. Both matches will be played at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi. The winner will advance to the next stage of the African Olympic qualification campaign. Her retention puts the defender within touching distance of a senior international debut and closer to fulfilling what she describes as a long-held dream of wearing the national team colours. “It is a dream come true to wear the national team colours and represent my country,” Ochieng said.
Ochieng is determined to make her opportunity count and play her part in helping Starlets negotiate their first assignment under Oduor. She will compete for a place in a defensive unit comprising Ruth Ingosi, Norah Ann, Leah Andiema, Vivian Nasaka, Enez Mango, Janet Mumo, Wincate Kaari and Elizabeth Muteshi. Her place in the final squad is significant given the competition generated by Oduor’s initial selection.
The interim coach released 19 players as he reduced the group for the Seychelles assignment, with four of the five maiden call-ups failing to survive the cut. Among the 19 omitted are Kenya Police Bullets trio Terry Engesha, Lorna Nyabuto and Faith Mboya.
Oduor has made it clear that places in the national team will have to be earned, while challenging his players to combine confidence, competition and humility. “We have to get our acts right and put in the results. Confidence, competition and humility are the positives to give a player,” Oduor said. Ochieng’s breakthrough also adds another chapter to Shabana Starlets’ contribution to the national team pathway.
The defender's progression comes as Oduor seeks to build a Starlets side capable of competing while creating room for players willing to take their opportunities. “I like a crop of players who let the opponents make the mistake. It is demanding because you have to force results,” Oduor said. That approach could demand patience from Ochieng and her teammates as they face a Seychelles side over two matches with little margin for error.
Ochieng's first hurdle has already been cleared. She entered camp as one of five uncapped players in a 43-player pool and has emerged among the 24 trusted to carry Kenya’s Olympic hopes into the next stage. Now she wants to turn that selection into something more than a personal milestone, a contribution that can help Starlets take their first step towards Los Angeles 2028.
