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Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has hinted at clinging on in the job despite failing to get the side to qualify for the 2025 AFCON.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has cast uncertainty over his future with Kenya's national football team, leaving fans and officials guessing whether he will remain at the helm in 2025.
The Turkish tactician has said a decision on his tenure will be made in January, following the highly anticipated Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections on December 7.
Firat’s comments came in the wake of Kenya's goalless draw against Namibia in Polokwane—a result that capped off a dismal year for the Harambee Stars.
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18:00 - 19.11.2024
Toothless Harambee Stars end AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign with drub draw against Namibia
Harambee Stars were average at best as they held on to a less-than-inspiring 0-0 draw against Namibia's Brave warriors on Tuesday afternoon in South Africa.
Not only did they fail to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but they also ended 2024 on a six-match winless streak, finishing third in their qualification group.
Speaking after the Namibia stalemate, Firat highlighted the pivotal role the upcoming FKF elections would play in determining his future. “I spoke with president Nick Mwendwa. If he continues, or Doris Petra, so this means his team, then we will sit down and make a programme for the next year,” Firat said.
He added, “We have some targets we want to achieve, including a tournament in Nairobi. We are prepared for everything, but it’s all football. First, we need to wait for what will happen in the election. I also have a contract, and that’s the reality.”
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05:28 - 19.11.2024
Tactical naivety, litany of excuses & more: Why Engin Firat must be held accountable for Harambee Stars' failures
Engin Firat exuded confidence after Kenya topped their AFCON qualification group, sending a warning to Andre Onana and Cameroon, but once results went haywire, he became defensive.
Firat admitted that several issues needed resolution before he could commit to continuing. “There are a lot of things which I say we need to get better at. It depends on how we can solve these things,” he stated.
The 54-year-old expressed disappointment with the external challenges that have plagued his three-year tenure.
Reflecting on his time with the Harambee Stars, Firat pointed to a combination of logistical hurdles, the aftermath of Kenya’s FIFA ban, and the turbulence surrounding the FKF elections as obstacles to success.
“It was a tough time with the FIFA ban, and coming back, there has been a lot of logistical problems, together with the FKF elections,” he remarked. “We had so many problems going on—no stadiums and no training field. If you put so much energy into it and the details don’t go the way you want, it’s disappointing.”
Firat also revealed the personal toll his role has taken. “My family often question why I keep focusing on football,” he shared. “I tell them that is who I am, and I will try to do my best.”
Despite his downbeat demeanour during the post-match interview, Firat left the door open for a potential return. “In January, when everything—including elections—is finished, I can give you an answer,” he said.
While Firat’s comments suggest he is weighing his options, they also hint at a lingering commitment to the Harambee Stars. The question remains: will the FKF’s new leadership convince him to stay, or will Firat choose to walk away from a challenging chapter in his coaching career?
For now, Kenya’s football fraternity can only wait and see what the new year brings for both Firat and the Harambee Stars.
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