By Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan
Nairobi - Newly appointed Kenya Women’s National Team head coach Godfrey Odour, who also serves as assistant coach of South Sudan Premier League reigning champions El Merriekh SC Bentiu, says he is honoured to take charge as Kenya begin their journey in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifiers.
Kenya received a bye into the first preliminary round and will enter the qualifying campaign in the second round against Seychelles, with today’s first-leg encounter scheduled for Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Speaking to Sports Hunter South Sudan, Odour identified the Seychelles fixture as his immediate priority, while stressing the importance of developing players and building a strong team culture.
“It’s such an honour. It’s always a good feeling to represent the country and also nurture the players individually, while contributing to the sport we love,” Odour said.
The coach believes Kenya has significant talent in women’s football and says his approach will be built around ambition, teamwork, respect, effort and humility.
“Kenya has massive talent in women’s football. I bring with me ambition, teamwork, respect, effort and, above all, humility,” he said.
Odour also highlighted the importance of young players in maintaining Kenya’s presence on the international women’s football stage.
“They will help maintain the country’s flag on the world women’s football map,” he said.
Kenya’s immediate objective is to get past Seychelles and advance to the third preliminary round. If they progress, they will face the winner of Malawi and Zimbabwe.
Odour, however, is keeping his focus on the immediate challenge rather than looking too far ahead.
“Game by game. We focus on winning this first assignment and progressing to the next,” he said.
His message to the players, supporters and stakeholders is one of unity: “Let’s walk together and shine together.”
Today’s encounter at Ulinzi Sports Complex will mark an important first test for Odour as he begins his tenure with Kenya’s women’s national team, with the ultimate objective of guiding the team through the African qualifying rounds and towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
