Former Harambee Stars Coach Engin Fırat Dies at 55

Engin Fırat, the former head coach of Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, has died at the age of 55. 

He suffered a heart attack at Istanbul Airport on Monday, 9 March, while travelling from Beirut to Adana. Fırat was serving as first team coach at Lebanese club Nejmeh SC, having been appointed in February 2026. During his brief tenure, he led the team to an unbeaten start in domestic fixtures and secured a place in the national cup final. 

His time at Nejmeh also reunited him with Kenyan internationals Anthony Akumu, Masud Juma, and Austin Odhiambo, whom he had coached while in charge of Harambee Stars. Fırat managed the Harambee Stars from 2021 to 2024, overseeing 24 matches with a record of seven wins, eight draws, and nine losses. 

His period included a 5-0 defeat to Mali but also notable friendly victories over Qatar, Russia, and Iran. Kenya’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ended his tenure, which was further complicated by a dispute over unpaid wages of more than KSh 80 million. Fırat was openly critical of the Football Kenya Federation, highlighting issues of infrastructure and administrative instability.

Despite the challenges, he maintained a prominent presence in Kenyan football, frequently engaging with journalists and fans to explain his tactical decisions. FKF president Hussein Mohammed offered condolences, stating: “Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of former Harambee Stars Coach Engin Fırat. His contribution to Kenyan football will be fondly remembered. May his soul find eternal peace.”

Fırat’s coaching career extended beyond Kenya. He previously managed Moldova’s national team and held assistant roles at Fenerbahçe, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Samsunspor. In 2023, he was recognised in Turkey as the Best Coach Abroad following Kenya’s successful friendly results against Qatar and Russia.