FKF President Hussein Mohammed Mourns Ex-Harambee Stars Coach Engin Firat After Sudden Death

Football Kenya Federation president Hussein Mohammed has led tributes to former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat.

Engin Firat died after suffering a heart attack. At the time of his death, he was the manager of Lebanese club Nejmeh SC.

Nejmeh SC confirmed the news, stating that the Turkish tactician collapsed at Istanbul Airport while travelling from Beirut back to his native Turkey.

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"With great sadness and sorrow, Star Athletic Club mourns first team coach Captain Engin Firat, who passed away following a sudden heart attack at Istanbul Airport while on his way to Adana, a few hours after leaving Beirut for his country," the club announced.

Engin Firat had only joined the Lebanese giants on February 9, where he managed a Kenyan contingent that included Austin Odhiambo, Anthony Akumu, and Masoud Juma.

In their statement, Nejmeh praised Firat's brief but impactful tenure. "During the time he spent with the club, the deceased was known for his professional commitment and high ethics, and he left a good impression among the team and the members of the Nejmeh family," the club added, extending its condolences to his family.

In a post on his X (Twitter) handle, Hussein Mohammed hailed Engin Firat for his impact with the Kenyan national football team.

“Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of former Harambee Stars Coach Engin Firat. His contribution to Kenyan football will be fondly remembered, may his soul find eternal peace,” Engin Firat said.

Engin Firat first took charge of Harambee Stars in 2021 on an interim basis before his contract was formalised. His time at the helm concluded in December 2024, following public criticism from the then Sports Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, which appeared to prompt his resignation.

"I have terminated my contract after the CS (Murkomen) talked so much about me, but let Football Kenya Federation make the announcement," Firat stated at the time of his departure.

Over his tenure, Firat managed the national team in 23 matches, securing seven wins, seven draws, and nine losses. His time was marked by notable results, including a 2-1 victory over Qatar and commendable draws against football powerhouses Ivory Coast and Russia.

However, his leadership also saw significant defeats, such as a 5-0 loss to Mali in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers and a 4-0 defeat to Cameroon in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. A surprising 1-0 friendly loss to South Sudan at Kasarani Stadium was another low point.