'It’s about belief, not just tactics'– Jackline Juma on empowering future generations

Sometimes, passion is the only fuel you have when the odds seem insurmountable.

For Jackline Juma, her passion for football started when she was just a child.

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Growing up in a household where soccer was considered a «boys-only» activity, Juma had to fight every step of the way to prove that her love for the game was more than just a fleeting childhood phase.

Sneaking out to play with her brothers, she learned early on that persistence could open doors, even when support was limited.

Juma’s first formal involvement in football came through the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA), a grassroots organization that fosters youth development through sport.

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The organization was not just about scoring goals on the pitch; it introduced her to concepts of leadership, teamwork, and community service.

Her talent and determination soon made her stand out. At just 16, she received a call-up to Kenya’s national team, becoming one of the youngest players to don the national colors.

For her parents, this was the moment they began to view her passion differently.

“My parents could not believe I was getting a chance to fly in an aeroplane – they thought that was a big thing,” Juma

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Through MYSA, Juma was awarded a scholarship to complete her education, something that was not guaranteed for many girls in her community.

She used the opportunity not just for herself but for her family.

After graduating, she supported her siblings through high school, demonstrating that the skills and opportunities gained through football could ripple outward, changing lives beyond her own.

“It wasn’t easy at that particular time, but eventually, I got their support,” Juma said.

“When I first got a call-up to the national team, they thought, ‘This could be something interesting.’”

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Juma entered the coaching world at 16, one of the youngest participants in local training courses.

Over the years, she worked her way through various certifications, culminating in earning a CAF A License—a qualification held by only two women in Kenya.

She also became an elite coach educator, sharing her expertise to help others rise in the ranks.

Yet, her journey has been far from linear.

The path from being a player to becoming the head coach of FC Talanta—a men’s team in Kenya’s top tier—has been punctuated with challenges.

Fans and pundits alike questioned the decision to appoint a woman to such a high-profile position, but Juma let her work do the talking.

“The challenges are there; some fans think it’s insane,” she admits.

“But it gives me the courage to keep going.”

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Her approach to coaching is rooted in fairness, teamwork, and fostering a competitive spirit. She believes knowledge is the great equalizer.

“If you have the knowledge, you will create a competitive space for players,” she said.

Today, Juma mentors young coaches, especially women, helping them navigate a traditionally male-dominated field.

Her sessions with both her girls’ team and the FC Talanta squad are not just about tactics—they’re about belief.

In a profession where women make up a fraction of the numbers, Juma’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and resilience.