Women’s football in Uganda has seen significant advancements, moving from humble beginnings to a professional sport.
Mbekeka Oliver became the first woman to be named assistant coach for a club in the Uganda Premier League.
The seasoned coach and former player, reflects on this journey and shares her insights on coaching, her targets for Lugazi next season, and advice for aspiring female coaches.
From Barefoot to Professional Salaries
Reflecting on the past, Oliver recalls a time when women played barefoot or wore basic masanda shoes and shared kits with male teams.
“There were fewer competitions back then, and women were mainly supporters of men’s football,” she explains. “Now, women are coaching and playing professionally. Players sign salary contracts, which was unheard of in my early days.”
Oliver highlights the financial aspect of the sport’s growth, contrasting her experience with today’s opportunities.
“I never earned a salary while playing for Kampala United. Now, players sign contracts for six months to a year and earn salaries. Football has become a job, which wasn’t the case before,” she said.
Coaching: Gender Makes No Difference
With experience coaching both male and female teams, Oliver emphasizes that the fundamentals of coaching remain the same regardless of gender.
“You have to treat all players equally,” she states. “While you may need to handle women more carefully, the sport itself doesn’t change. The eagerness to learn in women and the natural aggression in men balance out on the field.”
Ambitions with Lugazi
Looking ahead, Oliver has clear goals for Lugazi next season.
“Personally, I want to win a trophy for Lugazi. Our primary aim is to compete in the league and make it to the Super 8. If everything goes well, winning a trophy would be a bonus,” she said.
Advice for Aspiring Female Coaches
Oliver encourages women aspiring to coach male teams to believe in themselves.
“Self-belief is crucial. Take every opportunity to study coaching courses because you need to have valid reasons for why you coach. Humility is also important, as the sport comes with many challenges but also many rewards,” she said.
A Journey of Achievements
Starting her football journey in 2007 with a young kids’ team in Katanga, Oliver has achieved much throughout her career. She has built numerous friendships, met various coaches, and gained significant exposure in the sport.
