Immediate Former Harambee Stars head coach Engin Fırat has passed on at
the age of 55.
According to Lebanese club Nejmeh SC which he recently coached, Firat reportedly suffered a heart attack at
Istanbul Airport while travelling from Beirut to Adana.
The Turk left his position as Stars head coach in December 2024, after
the team's failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON. Firat oversaw a 3-year tenure at Stars, having
been appointed in 2021.
His time at Stars wasn’t smooth sailing, and he was always on the
receiving end of football stakeholders' criticism over his fielding and team selection
during tournaments and qualifiers.
Away from the dugout, Firat, who
was assisted by Ken Odhiambo and William
Muluya, often spoke openly about the structural difficulties facing Kenyan
football, the lack of internationally approved stadiums and disruptions caused
by administrative disputes.
He also never spared sports journalists who were schooled on his
tactical formations, reasons for calling up certain players and overlooking
others, accompanied by statics.
The Turkish coach, whose contract ran until 2026, cited nearly 11 months of unpaid dues totalling over KSh 80 million
Fırat remained a visible and outspoken figure in the national football
conversation. His passing now closes a chapter linked to a challenging yet
memorable period for Harambee Stars.
The tactician´s record, though, was under heavy scrutiny, with statistics showing
he won 7, drew 7 and lost 10 matches in 24 fixtures.
He secured only three victories in competitive matches (CAF or FIFA
organised). He beat Rwanda 2-1 before overcoming Seychelles 5-0 in the 2026 World
Cup Qualifiers. He also beat Namibia 2-1 in a 2025 AFCON Qualifier
However, Stars achieved a historic 2-2 draw against Russia in an
international friendly on October 16, 2023, in Antalya, at the back of another
impressive 2-1 victory over the 2022 World Cup hosts, Qatar, in another
international friendly in Doha on September 7, 2023.
For his achievements against Iran, Qatar and Russia, Firat was named the Best Turkish Coach Abroad at the 2023and during the Istanbul ATA Club Award Ceremony.
Until his demise, he worked with Kenyan internationals Austin
Odhiambo, Massoud Juma and Anthony Akumu at Lebanese club Nejmeh SC,
FKF president Hussein Mohammed led the Kenyan football fraternity with a condolence
message to the family of the late Firat.
"Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of former Harambee
Stars Coach Engin Firat. His contribution to Kenyan football will be fondly
remembered. May his soul find eternal peace," Mohammed said on his X handle.
