“Gender Should not be a Barrier to Coaching Men,” Woman Coach Fires at Critics

Jackline Juma in a past football game// Photo Courtesy 

Jackline Juma is making history as the first woman coach to men’s team in Kenya’s top flight, but she still have to cope up with sexism on the touchline.

With her leading FC Talanta into the new Kenyan Premier League this season, it did not take her long to realise that her appointment was not viewed positive with everyone.

“There were some words uttered from the other bench like ‘We’re not playing women’s football’ ,”Juma told BBC Sport Africa, discussing with her second game in charge against Sofapaka.

“And I was like ‘Oh,Ok, let 90 minutes decide’.”

Juma’s side ran out 1-0 winners to silence her critics.

“After the match,of course, we never shaked hands,” she said.

She said the match was an inspiration that has shaped her positively despite the criticism.

“Earning three points against a very experienced coach gave me a motivation that I need to keep going.”

A Sofapaka official did not respond to a request for comment on the incident.

Jackline Juma, a 32-year-old mother of two,began coaching over two decades ago and now holds the Confederation of African Football’s A licence-which is the second highest badge on offer on the continent.

She names Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti and Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta as her inspirations in the dugout,and aims to implement a dominant possession-based style.