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Former Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama has given reasons why he does not believe ex-coach Engin Firat is to blame for Kenya’s inability to qualify for AFCON 2025.
Victor Wanyama has absolved former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat from blame owing to Kenya’s inability to qualify for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Kenya missed out on the continental tournament for a third straight edition when Firat’s men finished third in their qualifying group that had Cameroon and Zimbabwe sealing a ticket to this year’s tournament.
Harambee Stars could only manage one win and three draws, to end their journey with six points, following 0-0 and 1-1 stalemates with Zimbabwe, a 2-1 win and 0-0 draw against Namibia as well as a 4-1 loss and 1-0 defeat to Cameroon.
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07:20 - 01.01.2025
How Harambee Stars fared in 2024: AFCON heartbreak, lack of home support & Engin Firat's abysmal record
Harambee Stars had a 2024 to forget under the stewardship of the now-departed Engin Firat. Will 2025 be a better year for the side?
Firat was blamed for overseeing a poor qualification campaign for Kenya, with his selection and tactics questioned by disappointed fans, but Wanyama feels it is unfair to point fingers at the Turkish tactician.
"I think the problem was the management and not Firat but now we have the new federation in, so I think now we're going to see a lot of changes and the team will start performing,” Wanyama told Flashscore.
"Things were challenging for him (Firat) because he often expressed concerns about the preparations and the facilities provided for him.
"It’s always tough for any team to play away from home, so he had a difficult task. Unfortunately, he has now resigned, and the search for a new coach is underway.”
Firat resigned in December and with Football Kenya Federation (FKF) starting the process of finding a replacement, Wanyama wants a coach who has experience on the continent.
"The Kenya national team needs a coach who understands African football, someone with experience in the continent's game and not afraid to take on the challenge,” he added.
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16:50 - 04.01.2025
‘He will make a good coach’ - Kenyan goalkeeper backs Benni McCarthy for Harambee Stars job
The Harambee Stars goalkeeper feels the Bafana Bafana legend will be a success in Kenya owing to his vast experience both as a player and coach in South Africa and Europe.
The draw for AFCON 2025, set to take place in Morocco from December 21 to January 18, will be conducted in January and Wanyama is still disappointed that Kenya will miss out for a third straight time despite the talent the country has.
"What makes it more painful is that we have a lot of good talents, yet we did not make it, but you know, we still have room for improvement and come the next one, we will qualify,” he added.
"Our focus now shifts to preparing thoroughly for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. However, when the AFCON tournament officially begins, Kenyan fans will truly feel disappointed. We must look ahead and work to avoid repeating the same mistakes."
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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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