Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat is owed at least Ksh. 13.5 million in salary arrears by the government, according to his recent statements on Tuesday night.The Turkish tactician revealed that he hasn’t received any payment from the government for the last nine months, shortly after Kenya’s 2-1 victory over Namibia in an AFCON qualification match.The win propelled Kenya to the top of Group J with four points, the same as Cameroon, though Kenya holds the advantage with more goals scored.##NAJAVA_MECA_8325836##Firat’s remarks seemed to be a response to public criticism over his tactics in the previous game against Zimbabwe, where he controversially played without a striker, resulting in a goalless draw.Addressing the media after the Namibia game, Firat expressed his frustration after going for nine months without pay.”I am also not okay. If you don’t pay the coach for nine months, even one dollar, then what do you want? I want people to stop criticizing the team. Now we have FKF elections, and everyone makes propaganda, even the ex-national team coach,” he disclosed.Firat also aimed at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), accusing them of failing to fulfill their promise to transport 5,000 fans to Uganda for the match against Zimbabwe.Odada on how Michael Olunga ‘s absence affected Harambee Stars in AFCON qualifiersHe lamented the lack of support and the challenges of Kenya hosting its home games outside the country due to the absence of a FIFA and CAF-certified stadium.”What makes me sad is that we have no support. Against Uganda, I was told we would have 5,000 fans, but I could count how many were there,” he said.What a strike! 🤯#HarambeeStars pic.twitter.com/Tc3mrIuKfh— Harambee Stars (@Harambee__Stars) September 11, 2024 As per Firat’s three-year contract, signed two years ago after Kenya’s FIFA transfer ban was lifted, the former Moldova national team coach is entitled to a monthly salary of Ksh. 1.5 million, excluding undisclosed bonuses and allowances.The nine months without pay means the government owes him at least Ksh. 13.5 million.While the national team coach’s salary is paid by the government through the Ministry of Sports, this isn’t the first time Firat has experienced delays in payment.Earlier this year, the ministry cleared all outstanding debts after many months of not taking a pay cheque home, but it appears they will need to do so again for the increasingly frustrated coach.Kenya’s next matches are a double-header against Cameroon in October, crucial fixtures in their bid to secure a spot at next year’s AFCON in Morocco.The top two teams from Group J will advance, with Kenya also set to face Namibia and Zimbabwe in November.Harambee Stars jets in from South Africa after travel challenges
