Former Engin Fırat, who previously served as head coach of Harambee Stars, has died after suffering a sudden heart attack. He was 56 years old.
The Turkish tactician reportedly collapsed at Istanbul Airport while traveling from Beirut to Turkey, triggering an outpouring of tributes from football players, fans, and officials across several countries.
His death was confirmed on Monday by Nejmeh SC, the Lebanese football club he had recently joined as head coach.
According to statements released by the club, Fırat suffered a fatal heart attack while at Istanbul Airport during a stopover as he traveled back to Turkey.
In a message shared on social media, Nejmeh SC mourned their coach and described him as a respected professional who had quickly made an impact at the club.
The club expressed deep sorrow over his sudden passing, noting that he had been actively leading the team and had recently overseen several important matches in the Lebanese football calendar.
Fırat had only joined the Beirut-based club in February 2026, marking his latest move in a long international coaching career.
Fırat became a familiar name in Kenyan football after he was appointed head coach of Harambee Stars in 2021.
During his tenure, he oversaw several international fixtures and guided the national team through the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and World Cup qualification campaigns.
His period in charge saw mixed results as the national team struggled to regain consistent form on the international stage.
In total, Fırat coached the Kenyan national team in 24 matches, recording seven wins, eight draws, and nine defeats.
Although Kenya failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, his tenure was remembered for giving opportunities to emerging players and maintaining competitiveness despite challenges facing Kenyan football at the time.
His contract with the Football Kenya Federation eventually came to an end in December 2024.
After leaving the Kenyan national team, Fırat continued his coaching career in the Middle East.
His appointment at Nejmeh SC also reunited him with several Kenyan players who were part of the Lebanese club’s squad, including Anthony Akumu and Masoud Juma.
Born in Istanbul, Fırat built a coaching career that spanned multiple continents.
Over the years, he worked with several clubs and national teams across Europe, Asia, and Africa, gaining a reputation as a tactically disciplined coach with extensive international experience.
Before taking over Harambee Stars, he had held coaching roles in countries including Germany, Iran, Moldova, and South Korea.
His global coaching journey saw him collaborate with numerous football federations and clubs, helping develop players and teams across diverse football cultures.
Following news of his death, tributes began pouring in from members of the football community.
Players who worked with him during his time with Harambee Stars have taken to social media to share condolences and memories of the coach.
Kenyan football fans also expressed sadness at the sudden loss of a coach who had played a role in the national team’s recent history.
While his time in Kenya was not without challenges, many players have acknowledged his dedication and professionalism during his tenure.