Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat believes that the growing calls to sack him have been fueled by the FKF Elections with rivals calling for his dismissal.After failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Harambee Stars have shifted their focus to securing a spot at the global tournament, set to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.The East Africans are determined to end their long wait for a maiden appearance at the intercontinental tourney, but first, they must navigate tough competition from the Elephants, Gabon, Burundi, The Gambia, and Seychelles.##NAJAVA_MECA_8556130##Currently, in Group F, the seven-time CECAFA Cup champions are ranked fourth, having earned five points from four matches so far.Kenya, unbeaten in their last three World Cup qualification matches, will take on The Gambia away on Sunday 16 March 2025.When questioned about his team’s prospects of securing one of Africa’s qualification spots, the 54-year-old Turkish coach offered a candid assessment of the Harambee Stars’ chances.##NAJAVA_MECA_8556106##”First, we have the Africa Nations Championship in February, which is our immediate focus. After that we move to the World Cup qualifiers,” Firat told SportsBoom.com.”Being in a group with Cote d’Ivoire, the African champions, means aiming for first place isn’t realistic. “If I spoke differently, I’d be fooling myself. Our realistic goal is to compete for second place. Even that’s challenging against teams like Gambia and Gabon.Is there genuine Harambee Stars progress under Engin Firat? “But if we have all our players available and finally get to play at home—something I haven’t experienced since taking over—it could make a huge difference. Playing at home is incredibly important in African football.”The group winner will secure direct qualification to the World Cup, while the runners-up may have a chance to progress to the second round and compete in the inter-confederation play-offs to determine the last two qualifiers.Firat was appointed Kenya’s head coach in September 2021, succeeding Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee. Initially signed on a two-month contract, his tenure was extended in early 2023 to a three-year deal running all through to 2026.##NAJAVA_MECA_8556120##Despite his extended tenure, he seems to be on the brink of an exit after failing to secure qualification for the 2025 AFCON, finishing third behind Cameroon and Zimbabwe.Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee part of government appointments for CHAN & AFCON preparationsThe former Moldova coach remains unfazed by persistent calls for his dismissal, which he believes are tied to the upcoming Football Kenya Federation election.He continued: “I’m aware that this situation which I feel is connected to the upcoming Football Kenya Federation election. The current president, who brought me here, faces significant opposition.”Normally, only two candidates would contest such elections, but this time, nine are vying for the position, reflecting intense rivalries.”Much of the criticism directed at me stems from these political rivalries. Some former national coaches and journalists align with opposing candidates, spreading misinformation. Despite this, I remain unfazed and continue to enjoy strong public support.Why David Ouma rejected bigger jobs to become assistant at Singida”People constantly approach me, saying, ‘You’re doing an incredible job with Kenya,’ and expressing surprise at Kenya’s football potential. Even when I travel outside the country, everyone is fully aware of the progress we’re making.”
