FKF president Hussein Mohamed confirms Engin Firat departure as new era begins

FKF president Hussein Mohamed confirms Engin Firat departure as new era begins

Festus Chuma 17:32 - 11.12.2024

FKF president Hussein Mohamed has revealed Engin Firat's resignation as Harambee Stars coach, signaling changes in the team's leadership.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed has confirmed that Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has resigned.

Firat, who took over the national team in 2021, leaves after an underwhelming tenure marked by Kenya's failure to qualify for major continental tournaments.

Mohammed, addressing the media on Wednesday, revealed that the matter had been officially communicated to the FKF secretariat.

Firat's resignation comes amid internal leadership changes at FKF, with Mohammed recently elected as president and new National Executive Council (NEC) members assuming office.

"The office of the General Secretary, Football Kenya Federation, FKF, is in receipt of the communication from national team coach, Engin Firat. The first of a notice of termination is contract entered in November 2021," Mohammed said.

"The matter has since been forwarded to the new FKF executive for review and deliberation.”

Firat’s tenure, which began with a short-term deal in September 2021, was extended to a four-year contract through January 2026.

His responsibilities included guiding Kenya to the 2023 and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Despite initial optimism, Harambee Stars were eliminated early in the qualification process for both tournaments, finishing third in their group behind Cameroon and Zimbabwe.

Under Firat’s leadership, Kenya also failed to make an impact in the qualifiers for the delayed 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN).

Speaking earlier, Firat had expressed confidence in Kenya’s chances, describing the group as “very easy” and claiming the team had a strong opportunity to qualify for AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

However, Kenya’s results on the pitch failed to meet these expectations.

The Harambee Stars recorded inconsistent performances and were outshined by group leaders Cameroon and Zimbabwe, who ultimately secured qualification.

Firat’s resignation has also drawn attention to FKF’s financial challenges. Estimates suggest that the Turk earned between Sh1.5 million and Sh2 million monthly, a figure that placed considerable strain on the organization’s limited resources.

Details of his contract, which had been kept confidential, are now under scrutiny as FKF prepares to conduct an audit.

"We will provide direction on this matter after internal consultations," Mohammed said.

"FKF wishes to move with speed to address the matter at hand and with due cost.”

The FKF president also noted that finding Firat’s replacement would be a priority for the newly elected leadership.

A meeting with the NEC is planned to outline the recruitment process and establish criteria for the next head coach.

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