Back in September 2021, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa announced that Turkey’s Engin Firat would lead Kenya for two months, taking charge of the national team for the remaining four 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.At the time, Firat spoke highly of Kenya, calling it a “good footballing nation,” and boasted that his experience with the Moldova national team would help him succeed with the Harambee Stars.”This is an interesting project, and I’m glad to be here. Hopefully, we succeed. Kenya is a good football nation, and I look forward to working here,” Firat remarked.Engin Firat was appointed Harambee Stars head coach in September 2021, replacing Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee. The team has won three out of the 15 competitive matches played under the Turkish coach. Do we still trust the process or sack him? pic.twitter.com/ewtwzEV3So— Meshack Kisenge (@kisengemeshack1) November 15, 2024 He added that while Moldova was not traditionally a football powerhouse, his coaching pedigree had earned respect after competitive performances against high-level European teams such as France.##NAJAVA_MECA_8501760##Fast forward to Saturday 16 November 2024, and Kenya is waking up to the harsh reality of missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, following a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe.The once-promising appointment has turned sour. What began as a two-month contract has now extended into 38 months, and with it, Firat’s tenure has become synonymous with frustration for Kenyan football fans and stakeholders.Many call for his dismissal, despite his contract running until 2026. Firat’s time with the Harambee Stars has been marked by inconsistency and missed opportunities, leaving a bitter taste among local fans and critics alike.Kenyan football infrastructure is behind by 40 years, claims Harambee Stars coach FiratMozzart Sport reviews Firat’s mixed record during his reign.Firat’s Record: Successes and FailuresSince his appointment, Firat has overseen 23 matches as head coach. Of these, 14 have been competitive qualifiers for the World Cup, AFCON, and CHAN, where Firat has only managed to secure a paltry three wins.These victories include a 2-1 triumph over Rwanda in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier (September 2021), a 5-0 demolition of Seychelles in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, and a 2-0 win over Namibia in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.Motsepe contradicts Firat’s take on Kenya’s love for footballHowever, Firat’s tenure has been marred by heavy defeats. Kenya suffered a humiliating 5-0 loss to Mali in a World Cup qualifier and a 1-0 defeat in the return leg. Last month, Stars lost 4-1 to Cameroon in Yaounde before getting a 1-0 beating in Uganda.Additionally, Firat has overseen losses to Gabon (2-1) and South Sudan in both African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers and a friendly match.Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat, after failing to secure Kenya’s spot in next year’s AFCON in Morocco, stated,”They can sack me, but what will change?”#TeamKenya pic.twitter.com/3FOp0rO94l— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) November 16, 2024 The coach has often pointed to external factors, including poor infrastructure, lack of support, and injuries, for Kenya’s underperformance.After another 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe on Friday, Firat lamented the lack of proper training facilities and fan support in Kenya. “In three years, we’ve never played a match at home. Show me another nation that has gone through that. We have no fans, no support, no proper training fields,” he said.Despite these challenges, Firat has enjoyed some success in friendly matches, including wins over Pakistan, Qatar, Malawi, Zimbabwe (twice), and Zambia.##NAJAVA_MECA_8505259##Under his leadership, Kenya also won the Four Nations Invitational Tournament in Malawi. However, these successes have been overshadowed by losses to teams like Iran, Mauritius, South Sudan, and Comoros.A Coach on the DefensiveFirat’s outspoken nature and tendency to blame external factors for poor results have led to growing discontent among local football stakeholders.His excuses, ranging from injuries to lack of preparation, have failed to endear him to the Kenyan public. Many now see his tenure as a series of missed opportunities and a failure to build a competitive team.Harambee Stars coach: Kenyans don’t know anything about footballAs Kenya faces yet another setback in their AFCON hopes, the question remains: can Firat turn things around, or is it time for the FKF to cut ties with the Turkish coach and seek a fresh start?
