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Mohammed has adressed his stance over the future of Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat following his election as new FKF President.
Kenya’s football landscape is undergoing a major transformation with the election of Hussein Mohammed as the new Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president.
The new leadership arrives at a turbulent time, with the national team, Harambee Stars, reeling from their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Adding to the drama is the uncertainty surrounding head coach Engin Fırat’s future.
Fırat recently sparked debate with his candid assessment of Kenya's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers prospects. Speaking to SportsBoom, he expressed doubts about Kenya’s chances against powerhouses like Côte d’Ivoire and competitive sides such as Gambia and Gabon.
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11:00 - 08.12.2024
Francis Kimazi coy over possible Harambee Stars return as Engin Firat's future hangs in the balance
It is increasingly likely Engin Firat will not continue in his role as Harambee Stars head coach especially after Hussein Mohammed was elected new FKF president, and Francis Kimanzi has been tipped to return to the role.
“Aiming for first place isn’t realistic,” Fırat admitted. “Our realistic goal is to compete for second place. Even that’s challenging.”
This stark realism has drawn mixed reactions. While some appreciate his honesty, others, including sections of the FKF’s new leadership, may view it as a lack of ambition.
Hussein Mohammed has yet to publicly address Fırat’s future, stating last Saturday, “I don't want to comment about the national team right now. It's too early. I will deal with that later.”
The new FKF president has emphasized governance, transparency, and accountability as key pillars of his administration. Assisted by football legend McDonald Mariga, Mohammed has pledged to rebuild Kenyan football from the grassroots.
“Football is now in the right hands,” Mohammed assured. “We will work with everyone and focus on fixing football through integrity, accountability, and transparency.”
Harambee Stars supporters have grown increasingly frustrated with the team’s lackluster performances. Many believe a managerial overhaul is necessary, with calls for Fırat’s dismissal growing louder.
However, Fırat has defended his tenure, citing challenges such as the team’s inability to play home matches. “Playing at home is incredibly important in African football,” he said, hinting at the potential for improvement under different circumstances.
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08:45 - 01.12.2024
'No identity' - Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee slams Engin Firat's Harambee Stars tactics after failed 2025 AFCON bid
Harambee stars lack a clear strategy, tactical awareness and the team's poor performance compounds the challenges facing the Turkish gaffer
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