Engin Firat will continue as the Harambee Stars coach after receiving approval from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).The Turkish coach has been in charge of Harambee Stars for the last three years, with his most notable success being the victory in the four-nation tournament in Malawi.##NAJAVA_MECA_8161512##However, he came under pressure last week after Kenya drew 1-1 with Burundi in Malawi. A public spat between him and FKF boss Nick Mwendwa had put his tenure at risk.This tension arose after Zak Vyner and Tobias Knost, born in England and Germany respectively, were not cleared to play due to lack of necessary approvals.The pair were still unavailable for the game against Ivory Coast on Tuesday, which ended in a goalless draw despite Kenya having numerous opportunities.”We did all our tactical training with Zak Vyner. If Zak had been on the field today, we would have won. Sometimes people need to focus less on what’s happening on the field and more on doing their jobs properly. Things that seem simple can be very complex here in Kenya,” an irate Firat said after the draw against Burundi in Lilongwe.Harambee Starlets stagnate in latest FIFA rankingsIn response, Mwendwa dismissed the coach’s concerns, urging him to focus on the next game against the Ivory Coast.”Let him (Firat) focus and win the next game against Ivory Coast. Sometimes coaches are very funny people, especially if results don’t go their way,” Mwendwa said.Firat has now received backing from FKF CEO Barry Otieno, who stated that the coach has done a good job and will be supported.”He has done well, to be honest. We will give him the time and support he needs. We believe we can achieve great things with him,” Otieno said.Firat’s next assignment will be the 2025 African Cup of Nations set for September. Kenya will learn of their opponents when the draw is conducted in July in South Africa.Firat’s Performance as Harambee Stars CoachMatches:16Wins:6Draws: 4Losses:6Mathare United are back! Slum Boys seal KPL promotion
