David Ouma beefs up Starlets squad for Cecafa Championship

Harambee Starlets coach David Ouma has added four new faces to the squad which jets out to Uganda Friday for the Cecafa Women Football Championship.

Custodian Lilian Awuor (Nyakach Girls), Lilian Adera (Vihiga Queens) and Jackline Akoth (Makolanders) join Judith Musimbi as the new faces in the team.

Ouma is upbeat that their presence will stir up the fight for places in the squad of 23 that will board the place tomorrow for the nine-day competition.

Awuor, whom Ouma hailed for her good communication with the backline as well as her ball distribution skills, will battle for the gloves with Lilian Akinyi, Brenda Achieng and Samantha Akinyi.

FACE UGANDA

“She is a good goalkeeper who brings something knew into the team,” Ouma told Daily Nation Sport. Ouma also gave the strongest hint that he will experiment with Lilian Adera at the deep-lying midfield role - thus partnering another midfielder in the team’s central midfield.

“She is a utility player and can operate at the centre as a defensive midfielder and also play in the advanced offensive role and I think her command is good.”

Defender Jackline Akoth, on the other hand, will be fighting for a place in the back four and the tactician believes that her aggressive style of play and strength in one-on-one situations, is a trait that the team lacked.

“Every player has an equal chance and it’s upon them to work hard and prove themselves,” Ouma added.

There are 29 players in camp but six will be axed today. “Our primary target is to come out of the group and reach the semis. We’ll take one step at a time,” Ouma added.

Starlets will square off with hosts Uganda on Sunday in the opening match and later face other Group A rivals Burundi and Zanzibar.

Group B has Ethiopia, Rwanda and Tanzania. The championship will run from September 11-20.

Starlets are preparing for the Africa Women Cup of Nations set for November, in Cameroon.