MUKASONERA THEOGENE SACKED BY AS KIGALI WFC AFTER LEAVING THE TEAM IN CRISIS

In women’s football in Rwanda, the story of Mukasonera Theogene has once again drawn widespread attention following her dismissal from AS Kigali WFC, a club she had rejoined with ambitions of rebuilding it and investing in youth development.

Mukasonera had previously coached AS Kigali WFC before leaving the club. Upon her return, she introduced a project focused on nurturing young talents and building a sustainable future for the team. At that time, AS Kigali WFC was sitting in third place in the league standings, competing for the title and aiming to represent the country in international competitions.

Football analysts believed her return would bring renewed hope, given her familiarity with the club’s structure and its challenges.

Shortly after resuming her duties, Mukasonera made significant changes. In a move that surprised many, she dismissed several members of her technical staff as well as some players who had played a key role in helping the team secure third place. Critics argued that these sweeping changes were made too quickly and without sufficient consideration.

Supporters began questioning whether replacing so many people at once would inevitably affect performance, especially since the league season was already underway and every match carried crucial importance.

Following these changes, AS Kigali WFC began to struggle, losing multiple matches and dropping points in an unusual fashion. As a result, the team slipped from the top positions to the lower end of the table.

Currently, the club sits in 11th place with 11 points, dangerously close to relegation to the second division. This position is far from what would be expected of a club with a strong reputation, a history of winning trophies, and experienced players.

Some analysts argue that focusing on youth development is a commendable long term strategy, but one that requires time and patience rather than immediate results. Prioritizing such a project in the middle of a competitive season may have created a gap in the team’s short term performance.

The management of AS Kigali WFC ultimately decided to part ways with Mukasonera due to poor results. The decision came at a critical moment, as the team is fighting to avoid relegation.

While some observers believe that dismissing all her assistants left her isolated under mounting pressure, others argue that the club’s leadership should have given her more time to implement her long term vision.

Mukasonera’s story offers an important lesson for women’s football in Rwanda. It highlights how rapid structural changes can have immediate consequences on performance, and how long term development projects require careful planning and unified support from all stakeholders.

AS Kigali WFC now faces the urgent task of rebuilding and collecting enough points to escape the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Mukasonera’s next coaching move remains to be seen, as she continues her journey in women’s football.

Will the team manage to pull itself out of danger? Will the youth development project resurface in the future? These are some of the questions that football fans continue to ask.

Written by Igiraneza Migisha Janviére