Former Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has passed away following a heart attack.
Lebanese club Nejmeh SC, on March 3, announced the passing of their first-team coach Engin Firat after a reported heart attack at Istanbul Airport while travelling from Beirut to Adana.
“With great sadness and sorrow, Star Athletic Club mourns first team coach Captain Engin Firat, who passed away following a sudden heart attack while at Istanbul Airport, on his way to Adna, a few hours after leaving Beirut for his country,” the club mourned in their official statement.
Nejmeh SC Mourns Engin Firat
Nejmeh SC confirmed that during the time he spent with the club, the deceased was known for his professional commitment and high ethics, and he left a good impression on the ranks of the team and among the members of the star club family.
“The management of the club, the technical and administrative staff, the players, and the audience of Al-Najma Club extend their deepest condolences and sincere condolences to his generous family and loved ones, asking God to shower him with His mercy and inspire them with patience and solace,” they wrote.
Kenya Football Mourns Former Harambee stars Coach
Football Kenya Federation, through its President, Hussein Mohammed, extended their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of former Harambee Stars coach noting that his contributions to Kenyan football would be fondly remembered.
Engin Firat Profile
Engin Fırat is a Turkish football manager born on June 11, 1970, in Istanbul, who served as head coach of Kenya’s Harambee Stars from September 2021 until terminating his contract in December 2024 over unpaid arrears.
He holds a UEFA Pro License and is known for his tactical discipline, use of projectors in press conferences, and efforts to build a broad player pool, including diaspora talents.
Also Read: Harambee Stars Defender Zak Vyner: From Kenya to the English Championship
Fırat graduated from a Sports University in Germany, where he developed his early coaching foundations before returning to Turkey.
He began as an assistant coach with Samsunspor in Turkey at age 22, later managing in Iran’s Super League (Saipa, Foolad Tabriz, Sepahan) and the Iranian national team, plus Moldova’s national team.
With Harambee Stars, he oversaw 24 matches (7 wins), achieving highlights like a 5-0 win over Seychelles but failing to qualify for AFCON 2023 or 2025; his initial two-month deal was extended to January 2026 before ending.
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