Jackline Juma appointed new Talanta FC coach

Talanta FC have appointed Kenya U-15 girls team head coach Jackline Juma as their new tactician.

Juma penned a one-year deal with the FKF Premier League side and is set to hold her first training session with the team on Monday next week.

Juma makes history by becoming the first female coach to handle a top tier mens’ team. 

The former Kenyan international replaces Ken Kenyatta who was shown the door on March 10, 2024, over a series of poor performances in the league and the early exit from the FKF cup.

The CAF A licence badge holder will be assisted by Jackson Gatheru who was acting at the capacity after Kenyatta’s departure.

Untill her appointment, Juma was serving as the head coach of National Women Super League (NWSL) side Gor Mahia Queens, and was also in charge of the Talanta Hela women's team that toured Spain.

According to FKF new regulations, all KPL side coaches must hold a CAF A licence, which Gatheru who formerly assisted Kenyatta, fell short of, having attained a CAF B badge.

Juma and Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba are the only two female coaches in the 49 list of male dominated field of tacticians to hold the CAF A licence. 

The licence is the second highest qualifications on the continent.

Talanta finished 15th on the 18-team FLFPL table with 37 points, just one ahead of Sofapaka, who retained their status with a 2-0 aggregate win in the two-legged play offs against Naivas.

Juma will be tasked with stabilising the team and changing their fortunes, from relegation candidates and finishing at a better position during the 2024-2025 season.

The Communication Authority-sponsored Talanta Hela will kick off their campaign against Sofapaka on September 14, 2024, after the Fifa international break.

This is after their clash against champions Gor Mahia on September 24, was reschedulled due to K'Ogalo's commitment in the CAF champions league  second leg preliminary against Sudan side, Al Merreikh FC.