Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat opened up emotionally following Kenya’s 2-1 victory over Namibia on Tuesday. The win, which rekindled Kenya’s hopes for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), was overshadowed by Firat’s candid revelations about his struggles and frustrations.
The match, held at Orlando Stadium in South Africa, saw seasoned striker John Avire and Duke Abuya score crucial goals to secure the win for Kenya. Despite the triumph, Firat’s post-match comments painted a picture of a man battling more than just on-field challenges.
Firat expressed his disappointment over the lack of Kenyan fans traveling to Uganda to support the team in their previous match against Zimbabwe. “What hurts me is the absence of support. I was told we would have 5,000 fans for the Uganda match, but I could count them easily,” Firat lamented. The coach’s frustration was palpable as he highlighted the importance of fan support in boosting the team’s morale.
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Adding to his woes, Firat revealed that he has not received his salary for the past nine months. “I’m not okay either. How can you expect a coach to work for nine months without being paid a single dollar?” he questioned, shedding light on the financial struggles he has been enduring. This revelation raises serious concerns about the management and financial stability of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
Firat also addressed the criticism directed at him and his team, particularly from former Harambee Stars coach Jacob Ghost Mulee. Mulee had questioned Firat’s decision not to start a striker against Zimbabwe. “I also want people to stop criticizing the team,” Firat said, clearly frustrated by the constant scrutiny. He further hinted at the political undercurrents within Kenyan football, especially with the upcoming FKF elections. “Now, with the FKF elections coming up, there’s even more propaganda, including from former national team coaches,” he added.
