Women’s football in East Africa recently faced unexpected drama after Rwandan footballer Mukandayisenga Jeanine, who plays for Yanga Princess in Tanzania, was accused of being a man. The claims surfaced during the Women’s Super Cup, with rival teams questioning whether some female players might have male hormones. The most targeted among them was Jeanine, whose outstanding performance on the field sparked suspicion and controversy.
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| Jeanine Mukandayisenga of Younger Princess |
The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) received multiple complaints from different clubs, including a formal complaint from Simba Queens, alleging that Jeanine and other players could be biologically male. These allegations raised tensions in the league and cast a shadow over the competition.
However, after looking into the matter, the TFF released a statement confirming that the accusations were baseless. The federation stated that no scientific or medical tests would be conducted this season, and all players who are registered are cleared to play. This decision was seen as a move to protect the rights and dignity of female athletes who are often unfairly judged based on appearance, body structure, or playing ability.
On Thursday, October 9, 2025, as the Super Cup semi-finals kicked off, Mukandayisenga Jeanine proved her worth on the pitch by scoring the only goal for Yanga Princess in a tough match against JKT Queens, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Despite her efforts, Yanga Princess was eliminated after a 6-5 loss in the penalty shootout.
