Kenya’s women’s national football team, the Harambee Starlets, is gearing up for a much-anticipated return to action as they head to Turkey for the 2024 Pink Ladies Cup. This will mark the Starlets’ first international match in nearly a year and their first friendly fixture in close to three years. The tournament, which runs from October 22 to 31 at the Emirhan Stadium, provides an exciting platform for the team to regain momentum on the global stage.
The Pink Ladies Cup will feature four teams—Kenya, Russia, Chinese Taipei, and the Philippines. For the Starlets, it’s an invaluable opportunity to showcase their talent against teams from both Asia and Europe.
The Harambee Starlets will depart for Turkey on Monday, October 21, 2024, ahead of their first fixture against Chinese Taipei on October 23. Following this opener, they will face Russia on October 26 in a high-profile clash before concluding their group stage with a match against the Philippines on October 30.
For Kenya, this tournament represents more than just a chance to compete—it’s a vital step in the team’s journey back to international relevance. The Harambee Starlets last played competitive football in 2023, and their absence from the pitch has been felt deeply in the country’s football circles.
Fixture Overview:
October 23, 2024: Chinese Taipei vs. Kenya – Emirhan Stadium, 4 pm
October 26, 2024: Russia vs. Kenya – Emirhan Stadium, 7 pm
October 30, 2024: Philippines vs. Kenya – Emirhan Stadium, 4 pm
Each of these matches presents unique challenges. The Starlets will first face Chinese Taipei, a formidable team from Asia known for their technical style of play. Next, Kenya will take on Russia, a European side with a solid footballing history, in what is likely to be one of the toughest matches of the tournament. Finally, the Starlets will meet the Philippines, a rising force in women’s football, rounding off a challenging group stage.