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Tactician has joined the bandwagon of former stakeholders criticizing Firat's methods.
Calls for the dismissal of Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat have intensified, with former Kenya player and coach James Nandwa joining the growing chorus of stakeholders expressing unsatisfaction with his methods.
Firat's recent handling of team selection, particularly during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast, has sparked significant debate and criticism.
Firat, who has been at the helm since September 2021, replacing Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee, has faced mounting scrutiny over his decisions and overall management of the team.
Despite a mixed record of six wins, six losses, and four draws in 16 matches (including four friendlies), Firat's tenure has been marred by inconsistency and underwhelming performances, particularly in crucial qualifier matches.
Nandwa, a former national team head coach, voiced strong criticism of Firat’s approach, particularly his erratic team selection and questionable planning.
"We ought to have won against Burundi in my opinion. The game against Ivory Coast was a tricky one and the draw was a fair result,” Nandwa told Sports Boom.
“However, how we played against Burundi demonstrated the need for a new coach. We have good players but unfortunately, the current coach has failed to get the best from them."
Firat's handling of the team selection ahead of the two matches drew sharp rebukes, particularly his decisions to call up naturalized players and make last-minute changes to the lineup.
These actions were perceived as chaotic and poorly planned, leading to doubts about Firat’s strategic capabilities.
Nandwa expressed his frustration, questioning Firat's ability to effectively manage and plan for the team.
"The planning by the coach was really poor. We had about three weeks of planning but it was disappointing with the way he gave opportunities,” Nandwa remarked. “It left the question, did the coach plan to fail? How do you drop players who were part of your plan and who had trained with the rest for more than a week for others who were not in the picture?"
Social media was ablaze with criticism following the 1-1 draw against the lowly-ranked CECAFA neighbors Burundi.
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13:15 - 14.06.2024
Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae reveals why Kenya & Burundi are at an advantage in World Cup qualifiers
Ivory Coast coach Emerse Fae has revealed why the likes of Kenya, Gambia and Burundi have an advantage over his charges in World Cup qualification.
Fans openly pleaded with the Football Kenya Federation to relieve Firat of his duties, questioning his suitability for the role. Articles and discussions in the press have further fueled the debate, with voices both for and against Firat’s continuation being given a platform.
Firat's comments on various issues, including the state of infrastructure in Kenya, public criticism of players, and derogatory remarks about local competitions, have not endeared him to the Kenyan public.
His perceived arrogance and failure to inspire confidence in his management have only added to the growing discontent.
As the debate rages on, the pressure mounts on the Football Kenya Federation to make a decision regarding Firat's future.
With crucial matches on the horizon, the need for a clear, strategic, and consistent approach to team selection and management is more critical than ever. Whether Firat will remain at the helm or be replaced by a new tactician remains to be seen, but the demand for change is louder than ever.
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