NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, has been dealt a major blow after head coach Engin Firat resigned, barely two months before the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Kenya is set to co-host the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
The sudden departure of the Turkish tactician, appointed in 2021, comes amid speculation over the reasons behind his decision.
Newly elected Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Mohammed Hussein confirmed Firat’s resignation on Wednesday, assuring that the search for a replacement is already underway.
Firat departs with a mixed record, having overseen 23 matches, securing seven wins, seven draws, and nine losses.
Notable achievements during his tenure include a 2-1 victory over Qatar and a 2-2 draw against Russia in high-profile international friendlies.
However, Kenya’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) marked a significant low point.
“There are challenges in the local football landscape,” Firat previously noted, citing inadequate support and the absence of suitable home stadiums as key factors in Harambee Stars’ struggles.
Under his leadership, Kenya finished third in their AFCON qualification group and fell 3-1 on aggregate to South Sudan in the CHAN 2025 qualifiers. Kenya only secured a CHAN slot as co-hosts.
During his time in charge, Firat’s tactics and squad selections divided opinion, earning him both supporters and critics. He leaves Harambee Stars ranked 106th in the latest FIFA standings.
Assistant coaches William Muluya (Kariobangi Sharks) and Ken Odhiambo (Bandari), alongside goalkeeping coach Lawrence Webo, remain with the team for now as FKF begins the recruitment process.
Former Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi, recently linked to the position, is reportedly a frontrunner.
Meanwhile, Harambee Stars will participate in the Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar this January, a regional tournament featuring Uganda, Burundi, Burkina Faso, and Tanzanian sides Zanzibar Heroes and Kilimanjaro Stars.
The competition will serve as vital preparation for the CHAN tournament, scheduled for February 1-28, 2025.
Firat’s resignation leaves FKF racing against time to appoint a new head coach and ensure the team is ready to perform on home soil in the continental championship.
Kenya is set to co-host the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
The sudden departure of the Turkish tactician, appointed in 2021, comes amid speculation over the reasons behind his decision.
Newly elected Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Mohammed Hussein confirmed Firat’s resignation on Wednesday, assuring that the search for a replacement is already underway.
Firat departs with a mixed record, having overseen 23 matches, securing seven wins, seven draws, and nine losses.
Notable achievements during his tenure include a 2-1 victory over Qatar and a 2-2 draw against Russia in high-profile international friendlies.
However, Kenya’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) marked a significant low point.
“There are challenges in the local football landscape,” Firat previously noted, citing inadequate support and the absence of suitable home stadiums as key factors in Harambee Stars’ struggles.
Under his leadership, Kenya finished third in their AFCON qualification group and fell 3-1 on aggregate to South Sudan in the CHAN 2025 qualifiers. Kenya only secured a CHAN slot as co-hosts.
During his time in charge, Firat’s tactics and squad selections divided opinion, earning him both supporters and critics. He leaves Harambee Stars ranked 106th in the latest FIFA standings.
Assistant coaches William Muluya (Kariobangi Sharks) and Ken Odhiambo (Bandari), alongside goalkeeping coach Lawrence Webo, remain with the team for now as FKF begins the recruitment process.
Former Harambee Stars head coach Francis Kimanzi, recently linked to the position, is reportedly a frontrunner.
Meanwhile, Harambee Stars will participate in the Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar this January, a regional tournament featuring Uganda, Burundi, Burkina Faso, and Tanzanian sides Zanzibar Heroes and Kilimanjaro Stars.
The competition will serve as vital preparation for the CHAN tournament, scheduled for February 1-28, 2025.
Firat’s resignation leaves FKF racing against time to appoint a new head coach and ensure the team is ready to perform on home soil in the continental championship.
