Football
First female coach in Kenyan top tier asks critics to judge her through results, abilities and not gender
Jackline Juma, the first female coach in Kenya's top-tier football league, urges critics to judge her by results and abilities rather than gender as she leads FC Talanta in the upcoming season.
Image Credits: Sportpicha
FC Talanta continues to earn praise for becoming the first Kenyan top-flight club to hire a female coach ahead of the 2024-2025 Football Kenya Federation Premier League season.
Talanta, who are approaching their fifth season in the top tier, caught many by surprise when they announced Jackline Juma as their new head coach.
Given that the Kenyan top tier is a field that has been dominated by male coaches, Talanta were expected to hand over the responsibility of leading the team to a new man.
However, the management went against the grain and handed Juma the reigns, a move that has been widely celebrated and welcomed by football enthusiasts.
Not everyone celebrated Juma's appointment
While there has been positive feedback on the appointment of Juma she says, in an exclusive interview with Sportsboom, some people criticized it and questioned her ability to lead a men's team at the highest level.
Juma, a CAF A coaching license holder, revealed that her colleagues in the coaching industry and a section of social media users were quick to judge her yet the season had not kicked off.
She expressed shock at how unfounded concerns over her suitability for the job had been raised yet she was qualified and wasn't new as far as coaching men were concerned.
Top-tier clubs are required to have coaches who are holders of the A license in the new season as part of the licensing requirements.
Out of the 49 trained by the Football Kenya Federation, Juma and Harambee Starlets tactician Beldine Odemba are the only female holders of the badge.
I am happy with how my appointment at Talanta has been received by football stakeholders. The congratulatory messages and support have been overwhelming. However, and as expected, there are those who frowned at it and questioned my suitability for the job.
Jackline Juma
Judge me through results
Much as Juma remains unbothered, she says it is only fair if her critics and everyone else judge her through the results the team will register in the season.
Talanta were to kick off the campaign this weekend with a clash against defending champions Gor Mahia but the match was postponed as the latter will be honouring a continental assignment.
Juma, a former Harambee Starlets player during her active days, insists that gender shouldn't be an issue in this day and age rather than the ability to deliver.
I didn't pay much attention to what those who were against my appointment had to say. The best time and way to judge me is when the season starts and the results we will achieve. Gender shouldn't be an issue so long as one is qualified and has the knowledge
Jackline Juma
Top five finish possible
Juma, who was part of the Starlets squad that qualified for the 2016 Africa Cup of Nations, revealed that she was eyeing a top-five finish in her debut season in the top tier.
The mother of two, who was quick to credit her transition from an active player to a coach to hard work and firm belief in God, said the squad she has and support from the management is capable of achieving the target.
"Our collective aim as a team is to finish inside the top-five bracket. We have what it takes to achieve it," said the former Highway Secondary School assistant coach.
FC Talanta players cooperating well
Having hit the ground running at Talanta, the former Makolanders left back, Juma disclosed that Talanta players were cooperative and working in line with her instructions.
Juma hailed the playing unit and the rest of the team for the warm welcome and the good working relationship they have had from the time she reported for duty.
“The boys have been amazing so far. They have been conducting themselves in a professional way and adhering to instructions. They have been making my work easy so far," added the former Mathare Women's Football Club winger.
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