Former AS Kigali Women FC head coach Grace Nyinawumuntu has dragged her former bosses to the Inspector of Labour of Nyarugenge district over what she says was an unlawful dismissal. Nyinawumuntu, who also doubles as the women national team head coach, was sacked by AS Kigali last week after serving a two-month suspension, following allegations of what the club described as indiscipline and causing divisions in the dressing room. The club says they took the decision to axe their long-serving coach, who is credited for being one of the club founding members, after carrying out “thorough investigations” on what Nyinawumuntu was being accused of. She was found guilty on all the allegations levelled against her including giving preferential treatment to some players, while others were being discriminated against. “Whatever has been levelled against me is not true, besides if it was true I should have warned first like any other employer as stipulated by law, but that never happened instead they suspended me first for more than two months and later sacked me, it’s unfair,” Nyinawumuntu told Sunday Sport. She added, “Really how do you say I was spearheading discrimination and divisionism when I have led my club to seven consecutive league titles, where could players be getting that motivation to win year after year, there is some betrayal.” AS Kigali spokesperson Teddy Gacinya also confirmed Nyinawumuntu’s appeal and revealed that they will meet the district Inspector of Labour on Wednesday. “It’s true she has appealed but we have been informed that her case is about not being paid and not unlawful sacking like she is saying in the media. We shall go to see the Inspector of Labour and we are ready to listen and comply with what will be decided,” said Gacinya. However, Nyinawumuntu has threatened that she is ready to take her appeal to courts of law if the first step does not address her claim to her satisfaction. She has been since been replaced temporarily by Shaban Mbarushimana, who has been working as assistant coach for AS Kigali men’s football team as the management weighs up options for a permanent replacement. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
