Former Harambee Stars coach Ghost Mulee fires back at Engin Firat as criticism debate heats up

Former Harambee Stars coach Jacob Ghost Mulee responds to criticism claims clarifying his stance on coach Engin Firat's decisions.

Former Harambee Stars coach Jacob Ghost Mulee has responded to the recent tension between him and current national team coach Engin Firat.

Mulee, who has had two stints as Harambee Stars' head coach, openly shared his thoughts about Firat's decisions in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, particularly in the opening match against Zimbabwe.

Firat's controversial decision to bench all three of Kenya’s strikers during their goalless draw with Zimbabwe raised eyebrows especially within the Kenyan football community.

Many, including Mulee, felt that the absence of a forward attack hindered the team's chances of securing a win.

Mulee’s comments were met with resistance from Firat, who appeared displeased with the public critique.

However, Mulee has now come forward to clear the air, stating that there is no animosity between him and Firat.

"He should accept, it's not criticism. We are concerned about our team. And I think I mentioned after the game against Zimbabwe where we had a goalless draw, I did not get into his tactics. It's not my work. But I just wondered as a Kenyan and as a former coach where he had three strikers on the bench, he did not utilize any of them. And I thought that could have made a difference," Mulee stated in an interview with Radio Jambo.

Harambee Stars have been under intense scrutiny during their AFCON qualifiers campaign with fans and football experts alike weighing in on Firat's strategic decisions.

While Kenya bagged their second victory in a crucial match against Namibia, Firat’s earlier reluctance to heed advice from voices like Mulee’s has become a point of discussion.

Mulee, however, insists his comments were out of concern and not personal criticism, unlike how the gaffer portrayed it after the Namibia game.

"There is nothing like I have no beef with him. He's our national coach. I support him 100%. I'm happy the way he has built up the team. But he should also be ready for criticism.

That position is a hot seat. And every time people say something against you, I know what it feels. One time when I was coach for Harambee Stars, we played Tanzania in Nyayo. We were scored the first goal by Tanzania. They started singing Ghost Must Go," Mulee recalled, adding a light-hearted moment to the serious discussion.

Mulee pointed out that coaching the national team is no easy task, and being subject to public opinion is part of the job. He also emphasized that his remarks were not a personal attack on Firat but were intended to help improve the team’s performance.

"I remember I made one substitution, I brought Francis from Mathare, he equalized, then they said Ghost must stay. So these are normal things with the national team. There is no beef, okay? It's our team, we are concerned about it and we will keep on talking. So that is, me I have no beef with Engin Firat, no.

I'm happy with the results he has produced for Harambee Stars, and I really want Harambee Stars to qualify for the Cup of Nations. I'm happy we're at the top of the group," he added.

Mulee reiterated his commitment to supporting the national team, stressing that his comments should be seen as constructive.

"Harambee Stars is my team. Firat is here as a national coach. He will go one time. I will stay in Kenya, still supporting Harambee Stars. So I have no beef with him. And he should be used to it. Kenyans, we are like that. We criticize anything. And we talk about everything. We are a very democratic country, so we have no beef."