Jacqueline Juma is the first woman to manage a top-flight Kenyan club and is aiming to transform FC Talanta's playing style.
FC Talanta head coach Jacqueline Juma has outlined her plans for the upcoming 2024/25 season, setting an ambitious target for the team under her leadership.
As the first woman to manage a top-flight club in Kenya, Juma’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the country’s football history.
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The ex-Gor Mahia Queens tactician has broken the glass ceiling as she is set to take charge of men’s top flight side, a first in Kenyan football.
She takes over from Ken Kenyatta, aiming to transform Talanta FC into a dominant force in the league.
"It is a truly humbling and great opportunity for me. This is also an 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," Juma expressed during a recent interview with CAFOnline.
Juma, who holds a CAF A licence badge, is known for her meticulous attention to modern football trends and her philosophy of dominance on the field.
"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," she added.
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The new head coach is no stranger to the pressures and challenges of coaching at high levels.
With a rich background in coaching various national teams and local women’s clubs, Juma brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
She has previously managed teams such as the Kenya Under-15 girls’ team, Gaspo, Kayole Starlets, Acakora Ladies, and Gor Mahia Queens.
"Yes, we have good players who are ready to compete and adapt to my philosophy. There is a good blend of youth and experience which is crucial in 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," Juma noted.
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Looking ahead, Juma has set a clear objective for FC Talanta in the new season.
"My target is at least top 5 this season. It will not be easy in this tough league but very much possible," she concluded.
Assisted by Jackson Gatheru, who acted in capacity after Kenyatta’s departure, Juma is poised to steer Talanta FC away from the relegation troubles of last season, where they finished just a point above the drop zone.
Talanta are preparing to kick off their campaign against Sofapaka and anticipation builds not only around Juma's historical appointment but also around her vision for making the side a top contender in the league.