Gender should not be a barrier – Jackline Juma

 Ability and credentials need to be the deciding factor above anything.

These are the strong views held by Jackline Juma, Kenya’s first woman to coach in the Kenyan Premier League as a head coach.

Holding a CAF A License to her name - Africa’s second highest football coaching qualification, Jumba broke the ceiling for women’s football in the East African nation when she was called upon to take up the hot seat at FC Talanta just a few days ago from Ken Kenyatta.

The former Kenya Women’s U-20 National team coach sat down with CAFOnline to reflect on the milestone, what she would like to achieve in her new role and what this means for the growth of the women’s game in Kenya.

What does it feel like being the first woman to coach in the KPL?

It is a truly humbling and great opportunity for me. This is also and achievement in my career and marks a great milestone because it came through hard work and dedication and a lot of sacrifice, effort and diligence.

⁠What do you think will be your playing style?

Football continues to evolve so I am always studying modern trends. However, my preferred method of playing is Dominance football. Successful teams are those who enjoy ball possessions and that is what we are looking at doing.

Do you feel that the club has the type of players suited to bring out your playing philosophy?

Yes, we have good players who ready to compete and adapt to my philosophy. There is a good blend of youth and experience which is crucial is a such a difficult league like ours. The margins are quite small so sometimes we won’t play to your exact philosophy but there has to be a methodology to our style of play which I believe we have the players for it.

What expertise do you bring into the team?

I have a very inquisitive mind and that has helped me during my time with the national teams. I have coached at various divisions of national team level including the U-20, U-17 and U-15.

I have also coached in the Women’s League at Gaspo, Kayole Starlets, Acakora Ladies, Talanta Hela as well as Gor Maria so I have been at the centre of different clubs and set ups which have brought about a great sense of growth for me as a coach.

The experience I have received over the years in the national team as well and Knowledge from my recent courses in Kenya and Saudi Arabia will also come in handy for me in this role.

How important is this historic moment, not just for you but for women in football in Kenya?

This is a very great moment because we have finally broken the ceiling for Women in football gender. More importantly, this is another reminder that gender should not be a barrier.

I am here because I am a qualified and passionate quote, who happens to be a woman. So, it must serve as both motivation and reminder that we are equally capable and therefore deserve to be given equal chances.

What overall target have you set for yourself in the league?

My target is at least top 5 this season. It will not be easy in this tough league but very much possible.

There is the CAF Women’s Champions League coming up later this year, why is such a competition important for the growth of the women’s game in Africa?

This is one of my favourite CAF competitions. It is very much important for our women’s game.  This is a platform to showcase the various talent African Women footballers have and it also encourages and promotes a greater number of girls in the game.

It also presents an opportunity for women coaches and technical staff to really showcase their abilities, which plays a key role in the overall development of the women’s game in Africa,

Do you feel coaching in the men’s game will give you an added advantage should you ever decided to go back to coaching women’s football?

Absolutely! This is a big added advantage, getting experience from the men's league is a huge success. We cannot deny that fact.

The men’s game is obviously ahead of the women’s game so while I also bring my expertise, I will definitely grow as a coach that is coaching in the men’s game.

What advise do you have for young women coaches that look to follow in your steps?

My advice is for them to believe in themselves, irrespective of their backgrounds and circumstances. Enrol in football courses, practice and don’t be fearful of anything. 

Young women should be strong and bold in order to achieve their set goals and dreams. Again, I want to emphasise - gender should never be a barrier to limit!