At the prestigious Istanbul ATA Club Award Ceremony, Harambee Stars coach Engin Fırat emerged as the standout figure, earning accolades as the most successful Turkish coach overseas.According to Iha News, Fırat’s “exceptional leadership played a pivotal role in propelling Kenya, a nation renowned for its athleticism but not traditionally associated with football, onto the international stage.” His noteworthy accomplishments, particularly in away performances and results against formidable opponents such as Iran, Qatar, and Russia, have earned him widespread acclaim on the global football scene. “Against considerable odds and without the luxury of top-tier players, Fırat successfully transformed Kenya into a team with a promising future, showcasing his strategic prowess and coaching acumen.”Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat rallies behind Olunga, says he has no equal in Kenya##NAJAVA_MECA_7753322##The Turkish coach has not been as successful in competitive matches as Stars have won just one of their 2026 World Cup qualifier matches beating Seychelles 5-0 and losing 2-1 to Gabon.Speaking on the recognition, Firat said he is delighted by it.“It is always good to see that internationally everything is followed and recognized. Locally no one cares about your performance,” he said.In a remarkable turn of events at the same ceremony, Galatasaray, one of Turkey’s premier football clubs, secured the coveted Team of the Year Award, underscoring their outstanding achievements and contributions to the sport. Additionally, Vincenzo Montella was honored with the Coach of the Year in Türkey Award, recognizing his exemplary coaching efforts in the Turkish football arena.The Istanbul ATA Club Award Ceremony serves as a platform to celebrate and acknowledge the remarkable achievements of individuals and teams who have significantly impacted the football landscape.
