Rwandan women’s football coach, Grace Nyinawumuntu, defended herself against allegations that she sexually assaulted her players.
Speaking to the BBC after Nyarugenge High Court awarded her $47,000 for wrongful dismissal, Nyinawumuntu also denied allegations that she was a lesbian.
“I have a husband and two children. Those reports are not true.”
Nyinawumuntu was suspended in January 2017 by Association Sportive de Kigali Women Football Club (AS Kigali) after a number of players accused her of sexual harassment.
She claimed that the malicious allegations that cost her her job were raised by people who were not happy about her.
Nyinawumuntu, who started the club back in 2008, was the first Rwandan female professional football coach and the first Rwandan woman to become an international referee.
With the USD 47,000 payoff, which includes her lost salary plus legal fees, Nyinawumuntu is hoping to start a business or another football club.
“With this money, I can now dream to do my own things. Maybe start a business. I would like to start another football club if I get a sponsor,” she said to the BBC.
“We are absolutely not satisfied with the court order, we will appeal the decision. We are already consulting our legal advisors,” Gacinya told Times Sport.
