Mukandayisenga Jeanine ‘Ka-Boy’ Thrives in Tanzania: Opens Up About Life at Yanga Princess, National Team Snub, and Challenges Facing Women’s Football in Rwanda

Mukandayisenga Jeanine, famously known as Ka-Boy, is one of the most promising Rwandan female footballers currently shining in East African football. Her move to Tanzania's Yanga Princess has not only elevated her personal career but has also exposed the stark differences in the development and professionalism between women’s football in Rwanda and Tanzania. ‎ ‎After leaving Rayon Sports Women FC in Rwanda, Ka-Boy joined Yanga Princess in December 2024. She impressed from the outset scoring twice on her debut in a 3-0 win against Alliance Girls on January 28, 2025. Her goal-scoring form conti

Mukandayisenga Jeanine, famously known as Ka-Boy, is one of the most promising Rwandan female footballers currently shining in East African football. Her move to Tanzania's Yanga Princess has not only elevated her personal career but has also exposed the stark differences in the development and professionalism between women’s football in Rwanda and Tanzania. ‎ ‎After leaving Rayon Sports Women FC in Rwanda, Ka-Boy joined Yanga Princess in December 2024. She impressed from the outset scoring twice on her debut in a 3-0 win against Alliance Girls on January 28, 2025. Her goal-scoring form continued when she netted the only goal in a fiercely contested derby against Simba Queens on March 18, 2025. She also made her mark in the final of the prestigious Samia Women’s Super Cup, scoring twice to help Yanga Princess claim a 3-0 victory over JKT Queens.

When Mukandayisenga Jeanine scored the winning goal as Yanga Princess defeated Simba Queens 1-0 in their recent match.

‎ ‎Speaking about her decision to join Yanga, Ka-Boy said she had no fear or hesitation: ‎“I had no fear because I had already played against strong teams. Not being picked by some of them in the past was not a setback it was motivation.” ‎ ‎Her experience in Tanzania has been transformative. She describes life at Yanga Princess as comfortable and professional, contrasting heavily with her past experience in Rwanda. ‎“I feel good. We are housed, fed, protected, and everything is organized both on and off the pitch,” she said. ‎“There is a big difference between Rwanda and Tanzania. Here, salaries are paid on time and bonuses are even given in advance.”

Mukandayisenga Jeanine was one of the key players I looked up to during her time at Rayon Sports WFC.

‎ ‎Ka-Boy currently earns between 600,000 and 1,000,000 Rwandan Francs monthly, a substantial improvement from what she used to earn back home. She acknowledges this disparity without resentment but with hope that Rwanda can learn and improve. ‎“I don’t blame Rayon Sports. Budgets are different. But it’s clear we still have a long way to go.” ‎ ‎The forward has also felt the energy and passion of Tanzanian football fans, which she finds motivating. ‎ “The fans here are incredible. Stadiums are always full. In Rwanda, I could score seven or eight goals a match. Here, even getting a hat-trick is difficult.” ‎ ‎Ka-Boy was notably absent from Rwanda’s national team, the Amavubi Women, during recent competitions. She explained that an illness caused by a change in weather upon returning from Tanzania affected her readiness.

Although she was called up to the Rwanda women's national team, Mukandayisenga Jeanine was unable to feature due to illness, as she personally confirmed.

‎ ‎“When I arrived in Rwanda, I fell sick because of the cold. I had headaches and fever. I went to the doctor and got medicine, but I wasn’t fully recovered when the national team left. The coach told me I had been dropped I don’t know anything beyond that.” ‎ ‎Despite this, she remains open to future call-ups: ‎“I’m always ready to play for my country if they call me.” ‎ ‎Ka-Boy also addressed critics who question her gender because of her physical style of play: ‎ “Some say I look like a boy. But that doesn’t discourage me. They talk because I’ve done something worth noticing. I will keep working hard.” ‎ ‎She called on the Rwanda Football Federation to invest more in the women’s game, especially infrastructure. ‎“Our pitches need to be improved. Women’s football in Rwanda deserves better.” ‎Finally, she paid tribute to Murego Philemon, who played a vital role in her development as a player: ‎“He’s the one who helped me the most. I’m really thankful for everything he did.”

Mukandayisenga Jeanine extends heartfelt appreciation to Murego Philemon, Head of Security at Rayon Sports, for his invaluable contribution to her personal and professional growth.

‎Ka-Boy’s journey is a powerful example of how talent, when supported by the right structures, can thrive beyond borders. Her story is not just about football success it is a call to action for Rwanda and the region to invest more in the women’s game.