All eyes on Beldine Odemba as FEASSA Games 2024 Football kicks off

By Emmanuel Sekago

With just two days to go until the first football match of the FEASSA Games 2024, anticipation is building for the showdown between hosts Bukedea Comprehensive School and Benjamin Mkapa School of Tanzania on Sunday, August 18th.

Among the many talented coaches leading their teams into this prestigious competition, one name stands out: Beldine Odemba, Kenya’s most successful female coach, and the only female coach in the boys’ football category at the FEASSA Games.

Beldine Odemba, who holds an impressive CAF A license, is known for her intelligence, assertiveness, confidence, and expertise. Her credentials and achievements have made her a respected figure in East African football.

She first came into the spotlight during the 19th edition of the FEASSA Games in 2022, hosted in Tanzania, where she guided Highway High School of Kenya to its first-ever final. Although her team was defeated by Kibuli Secondary School of Uganda by 2-0 in the final, Odemba’s strategic leadership throughout the tournament left a lasting impression.

Group Stage: Highway High School defeated Kibuli Secondary School 1-0, drew 1-1 with Kiwira Coal Mines S.S. from Tanzania, secured a 3-1 victory over ES Gasiza from Rwanda, and won 1-0 against St. Andrews, Kaggwa from Uganda.
Semifinals: Highway High School managed a crucial 1-0 victory over St. Mary’s Kitende to book their spot in the final.

Despite the final loss, Highway’s journey under Odemba was marked by strong performances and tactical prowess, making her one of the most talked-about coaches in the tournament.

As the FEASSA Games 2024 kick off, Beldine Odemba’s immediate focus is guiding Highway High School to success. After a fierce competition, Highway secured their place in the tournament by defeating Musingu High School in a hotly contested final in Kisii County.

Their first match in this year’s FEASSA Games will be a high-stakes opener against defending champions St. Mary’s Kitende at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 18th, at the Amus College School Pitch-A.

This match is being billed as a revenge game, as St. Mary’s Kitende seeks to avenge their semifinal loss to Highway two years ago. Highway High School is placed in Group A alongside Bukedea Comprehensive (Uganda), St. Joseph’s Boys, Kitale (Kenya), St. Mary’s Kitende (Uganda), and Benjamin Mkapa Secondary School (Tanzania).

Beldine Odemba’s passion for youth football is evident in her coaching style. She attributes her team’s success to teamwork, hard work, and discipline. “The players understand me so well, and I have a good working relationship with the rest of the coaches. The environment is conducive to success,” she said.

Her success with Highway High School, especially as the first woman to lead a boys’ football team to the final of the FEASSA Games since its inception in 2002, speaks volumes about her dedication and skill as a coach.

As the FEASSA Games 2024 begin, all eyes will be on Beldine Odemba and her Highway High School team. With her proven track record and passion for the sport, she is poised to make another deep run in the tournament.

Whether they can replicate or surpass their previous success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Beldine Odemba is a coach who commands attention and respect, and her presence at the FEASSA Games adds an exciting layer of intrigue to this year’s competition