Jackline Juma has made history in Kenyan football as the first woman to head a men’s team in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL). But her journey has been far from easy, with Juma encountering both inspiring support and lingering prejudice from her peers on the sidelines.
Juma, who leads FC Talanta, encountered resistance early on. In only her second match against Sofapaka, comments from the opposing bench were disparaging. “There were some words like, ‘We are not playing women’s football,’” Juma shared with BBC Sport Africa. Undeterred, she let the results speak for themselves, as Talanta secured a 1-0 victory. “Earning three points against a very experienced coach gave me the motivation to keep going,” she noted.
Juma’s accomplishment isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a significant step for gender equality in sports across Africa. Despite early skepticism from her own family and team, her qualifications and expertise quickly won them over. Captain Augustine Kuta described his initial surprise but added that Juma’s tactical knowledge and fresh drills soon dispelled any doubts. “After her first session, we knew she was qualified for the job,” Kuta stated. Her arrival has galvanized Talanta’s squad, with the players determined to prove critics wrong.
A mother of two and an elite coaching educator, Juma has over two decades of experience and holds a CAF A license—the second-highest coaching qualification in African football. Inspired by global coaching icons Carlo Ancelotti and Mikel Arteta, Juma seeks to bring a possession-based style to her squad. Her career in football began at age nine, overcoming family expectations to play the game and later shifting her focus to coaching.
Her appointment reflects a progressive shift within FC Talanta as well. Vice Chairman James Theuri explained the decision, citing Juma’s mentorship abilities and commitment to nurturing young talent as key factors. “Jackline has proven that she can be a good mentor with a passion for young athletes,” Theuri said. Her presence is expected to steer Talanta toward a top-six finish this season.
Beyond her work with Talanta, Juma advocates for equal recognition and pay for female players and coaches in Africa. “It’s football. It’s not like we are playing 60 minutes while they [men] are playing 90 minutes,” she emphasized. Her voice adds momentum to a growing call for gender equality within African football.
As for her goals, Juma aims to bring Talanta up the standings from their current 15th place, with aspirations for a top-six position. Regardless of this season’s outcome, her impact is clear: Juma’s achievements set an empowering example for young women across Africa who aspire to careers in sports. “I want to inspire them and show them it’s very much possible,” she said. “All they need is confidence, knowledge, and belief in themselves.”
In a region where few women have taken the helm of male teams, Juma’s success marks a pivotal moment, one that challenges outdated norms and celebrates the potential for women to lead, compete, and excel at the highest levels of African football.
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