Harambee Starlets’ technical bench has offered a clear explanation regarding the unexpected decision to substitute Violet Nanjala during Kenya’s impressive 4-0 victory over Uganda in the CECAFA Women’s Championship currently underway in Tanzania.
Nanjala, who has been in superb form, was taken off in the 59th minute of the match, sparking speculation among fans who were surprised to see one of the tournament’s top performers leave the pitch early. The striker had scored Kenya’s third goal in the match, further cementing her reputation as one of the team’s most lethal attacking threats.
Assistant coach Godfrey ‘Solo’ Oduor addressed the concerns following the game, noting that the decision to substitute Nanjala was a strategic one aimed at preserving her energy and ensuring her availability for the remaining matches in the competition.
“Violet is a very important player for us. She brings a lot of pace and intensity into the game, and she uses a great deal of energy during her time on the pitch. It’s difficult for a player with that kind of playing style to consistently maintain the same level of performance over 90 minutes,” Oduor explained.
The coaching staff emphasized that the move was also intended to ensure long-term performance management, pointing out that the rigorous demands of tournament football require careful rotation to avoid fatigue and potential injury. The introduction of striker Faith Mboya was therefore part of a planned substitution pattern aimed at maintaining the team’s intensity while allowing Nanjala time to recover.
Oduor further revealed that the team is committed to giving every player in the squad a chance to feature in the tournament. With a 19-player roster, he noted the importance of exposing each athlete to the pressures and experiences of international competition, especially since the squad includes several players lacking extensive regional tournament experience.
“It is important for every player to feel involved and to experience the competition. Some of our starters have played in back-to-back matches, and we need to manage them wisely while also allowing others a chance to play. You will likely see more squad rotation in the next game,” he added.
As the Harambee Starlets prepare to face South Sudan on Thursday at the Azam Sports Complex, followed by a match against hosts Tanzania, the team’s rotation strategy and player management approach will be key in sustaining their strong start to the tournament. With two dominant victories already under their belt, Kenya remains one of the frontrunners in the competition.
