Dj Vnyash
Engin Firat, the coach of Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, has resigned shortly after the team’s failure to qualify for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations.
His resignation was confirmed on December 11 by Hussein Mohammed, the new president of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), during a press briefing at Kandanda House in Kasarani.
Firat’s three-year stint with the team was marked by challenges, including delayed salaries, ongoing criticism, and inconsistent performances. The Turkish coach faced mounting pressure from Kenyan football stakeholders, including Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
Kenya’s third-place finish in Group J, behind Cameroon and Namibia, sealed their disqualification from the tournament and added to the strain on Firat’s tenure. The failure to secure a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations proved to be the breaking point for his role as head coach.
The coach’s exit coincides with a period of transition within Kenyan football, following the election of new FKF leadership. Firat’s performance had been openly criticized by Murkomen, who questioned his appointment and track record during a recent interview.
“I don’t understand why he was hired; there’s no significant achievement on his record,” Murkomen remarked. He also highlighted issues raised by Firat, such as insufficient facilities, and countered them with examples of other teams winning despite similar challenges.
Firat, who initially hoped to retain his position, saw the tides turn against him following the FKF elections, where Nick Mwendwa, his supporter, lost to Hussein Mohammed on December 7.
Silverio Omari
