In a swift response to controversial comments made by Grace Nyinawumuntu, the head coach of Rwanda’s women’s football team, the Rwandan Football Federation (Ferwafa) has suspended her from her coaching role. The suspension was announced on Saturday, following her remarks about the Ghanaian women’s football team, describing them as “like men” after her team’s heavy defeat in an African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier held in Kigali on Wednesday.
Nyinawumuntu expressed that her team felt intimidated by the Ghanaian side, resulting in a significant 7-0 loss. She remarked, “They have girls who we think have male hormones. They are girls who are like men. Our team was scared… when they got to the pitch, they conceded because they were scared.”
Ferwafa issued a statement to AFP confirming the suspension of the coach, indicating that it would be in effect “until further notice.” The federation justified its decision by stating that Nyinawumuntu’s comments were an “inappropriate choice of diction” following the game and that her remarks about the Ghanaian players violated the rules and values of football in Rwanda.
The statement from Ferwafa further emphasized the importance of maintaining professional conduct and avoiding remarks that lack a factual basis and do not align with the truth.
Grace Nyinawumuntu, a former player who made history in 2014 as Rwanda’s first female professional football coach, previously faced controversy in her coaching career. In 2017, she was suspended as the head coach of AS Kigali Women after allegations of sexual harassment were leveled against her by players on the team. Subsequently, Nyinawumuntu took legal action against the club, winning the case and being awarded $47,000 in damages (equivalent to 44,000 euros).
Her appointment as the head coach of Rwanda’s national women’s football team in June of this year marked a significant moment in her coaching career. However, her recent remarks have led to her suspension, highlighting the importance of maintaining respectful and sportsmanlike conduct within the world of football.
