WEKESA KULECHO
The football fraternity in Kenya and beyond is mourning the sudden death of former Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat, who passed away after suffering a heart attack while travelling through Istanbul Airport in Turkey. The tragic news was confirmed on Monday by his club, Nejmeh SC of Lebanon, where he had been working as the head coach.
Sudden Death at Istanbul Airport
According to reports from his club, Firat collapsed after suffering a heart attack at Istanbul Airport while travelling from Beirut to Adana. He had just left Lebanon and was on his way back to his home country when the tragic incident occurred.
In a statement mourning the coach, Nejmeh SC described Firat as a highly respected professional whose leadership and dedication had left a lasting impact on the club and its players. The Lebanese club expressed deep sorrow over the loss, praising his commitment and strong work ethic during his time with the team.
Coaching Career Across the World
Engin Firat, a Turkish football tactician born in 1970 in Istanbul, built a long career in international football management spanning more than two decades. Over the years he worked with several clubs and national teams across Europe, Asia and Africa.
He previously served as head coach of the Kenya national football team (Harambee Stars) between 2021 and 2024, guiding the team through several international competitions and World Cup qualifiers. During his tenure, he also led Kenya to victory in the Four Nations tournament in Malawi in 2024, one of the notable achievements under his leadership.
Before taking charge of Harambee Stars, Firat had coached the Moldova national team and worked with various clubs and national sides in Europe and the Middle East, earning recognition as an experienced international football strategist.
His Time with Harambee Stars
Firat took over Harambee Stars in October 2021, replacing local coach Jacob “Ghost” Mulee. His appointment came at a challenging time for Kenyan football, with the national team undergoing restructuring both on and off the pitch.
During his three-year tenure, Firat oversaw numerous international friendlies and competitive matches, attempting to rebuild the squad and introduce new players into the national team setup. However, his time in charge was marked by mixed results and criticism from some stakeholders following Kenya’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He eventually stepped down in December 2024 after the election of a new leadership at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
Tributes from the Football Community
Following the announcement of his death, tributes began pouring in from football fans, players and officials who worked with the coach during his career. Many described him as a passionate football mind who dedicated his life to developing the sport across different countries.
Kenyan football supporters also took to social media to remember Firat for his contribution to Harambee Stars and the experience he brought to the national team.
A Loss to International Football
The death of Engin Firat marks a sad moment for the football world, particularly for Kenyan football which he once led on the international stage. His sudden passing at the age of 55 has left colleagues, players and fans mourning a coach who spent much of his life working across continents to develop the beautiful game.
As tributes continue to pour in, many in the football fraternity remember him not only as a coach but also as a dedicated professional whose passion for football crossed borders and cultures.
