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Harambee stars lack a clear strategy, tactical awareness and the team's poor performance compounds the challenges facing the Turkish gaffer
Former Harambee Stars coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee has questioned the current state of the national team under Turkish gaffer Engin Firat.
Ghost, who enjoyed success at the helm of Harambee Stars said there has been no much changes in the team despite Firat being given enough time to stamp his authority and implement his own philosophy.
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13:29 - 29.11.2024
'We should stop letting fans down' - Sylvester Owino urges Harambee Stars teammates following AFCON 2025 qualifying failure
Although the side has faced a myriad of problems off the pitch that partly contributed to their failiure to qualify for AFCON 2025, the Gor Mahia defender has admitted that the players should also have shown more desire and fight.
“The reality is that Kenyan football is in a tough spot right now. The team is not playing to its full potential, and much of that falls on the coach. Firat has had enough time to settle in, and we haven’t seen any significant improvements,” Ghost told SportsBoom.
Ghost opined that unlike during his time, Firat lacks a strategy and a clear style of play. He said Firat doesn't understand the characteristics of his players, posing a selection dilemma.
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06:02 - 29.11.2024
Patrick Matasi: How Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat betrayed my trust and threatened my football future
Patrick Matasi has accused Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat of sabotaging his career, accusing him of setting up to fail him during the just concluded 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
"When I was in charge, we played with a clear tactical identity, and we focused on building a strong defensive unit while maximizing our attacking strengths. The current approach is too erratic, and we don’t seem to know what kind of football we want to play,” Ghost candidly observed.
Ghost also highlighted the importance of understanding local conditions and player strengths before analysing the tactics that suit the players. “The Kenyan game is different from European or Asian football. We need a coach who understands the dynamics of African football, one who can motivate players and get the best out of them.”
He pointed out about Firat's rigidity in adjusting formation also as part of the coaches' well-documented failure in bringing stability and consistency. “Sometimes, a coach needs to be flexible, especially when the players are not performing to their expected level. You need to change tactics, bring in fresh ideas, and encourage your team to believe in themselves.”
Stars' failed bid for the 2025 AFCON slot didn't go down well with stakeholders and Firat's future remains in doubt and a decision will likely be made when the new administration assumes office after the FKF elections.
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