The Kenyan National Men’s soccer team Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has resigned.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed on Wednesday, December 11 afternoon confirmed reports that the under-fire coach resigned, bringing an end to his tenure of just over three years.
Hussein while speaking in a press briefing at the federation headquarters in Kasarani, Nairobi, said the federation has accepted Firat’s resignation, and are in the process of finding his replacement.
“Harambee Stars coach has terminated his contract with the federation, and we will be looking forward for new alternatives. The next coach will be chosen according to their performance, the nationality of the coach notwithstanding,” revealed Hussein.
Firat’s resignation follows a statement by Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen who called for the newly elected FKF leadership to part ways with the Turkish coach, citing that the government would no longer cover his salary.
His resignation also comes days after failing to secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which shall be played in Morocco.
The announcement comes amid tensions in Kenyan football, including the departure of long-serving FKF President Nick Mwendwa who was replaced by Hussein Mohammed after he won the elections last week.
Engin Firat at the helm of Kenyan football
Since taking over in September 2021 after signing a contarct that was supposed to run until January 2026, Firat managed 23 matches, recording seven wins, seven draws, and nine losses.
The Turkish gaffer has faced significant challenges during his tenure. Kenya’s 2025 AFCON Qualifiers campaign saw the team finish third in Group J behind Cameroon and Zimbabwe.
Highlights included a 2-1 win over Namibia but were overshadowed by back-to-back defeats against Cameroon and disappointing draws against Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Earlier, Firat had pinpointed systemic issues, such as lack of infrastructure and home games, as major obstacles to the team’s performance.
Prior to his resignation, the Turkish coach had been under fire from fans, former players, and officials for the underwhelming performance by Harambee Stars.
Murkomen hints at Firat’s exit
Sports CS Murkomen had hinted at withdrawing government funding for Firat’s salary, signaling a lack of support from the Ministry.
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The CS made the signal after Firat while speaking after Kenya’s final AFCON qualifier match against Namibia admitted his future was unclear, noting that discussions would be necessary.
“I spoke with President Nick Mwendwa, and if Doris Petra takes over, we will sit down and plan for next year. We have targets, including hosting a tournament in Nairobi. But we’ll see what happens after the elections,” Firat said, adding that he still has a contract.
However, Murkomen suggested that Firat’s dismissal would be inevitable due to contractual obligations.
He also clarified that FKF alone has the authority to officially fire the coach.
“The agreement between FKF and the coach stipulated that failure to qualify for AFCON would lead to disengagement. Since the ministry funded the contract, we will, given the circumstances, implement that clause and stop further payments,” Murkomen said on November 20.
“Many have called for Firat’s dismissal, but FKF has the exclusive responsibility to hire and fire the coach. We cannot interfere directly.”
The first major assignment of the incoming coach will be the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which kicks off on February 1, 2025.
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