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Since June 2021, Engin Firat’s tenure with Harambee Stars has seen ups and downs, balancing progress and challenges, leaving fans wondering if Kenya’s potential is truly unlocked.
In June 2021 Engin Firat began his reign as the head coach of Harambee Stars, arriving with high expectations and a mission to guide Kenya to new heights.
Now, three years and 22 matches later, Firat’s tenure has been a blend of ups and downs with the head coach often speaking candidly about the challenges Kenyan football faces.
Under his leadership, Stars have registered seven wins, six draws and nine losses with only three of the victories coming in competitive CAF or FIFA-organized matches.
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18:08 - 03.11.2024
South Sudan inflict more misery on Harambee Stars as they frustrate them to draw in 2025 CHAN second leg qualifier
South Sudan clawed back from a goal down to frustrate Harambee Stars to a 1-1 draw in the second leg of their 2024 CHAN qualifier and ultimately deliver a 3-1 aggregate win.
Firat’s record reflects the mixed results that fans have come to expect during his time with the national team.
The Turkish gaffer's debut began with a humbling 5-0 loss to Mali, setting a rough tone. Yet, despite the challenges, there have been signs of progress.
Wins against Rwanda, Seychelles and Malawi provided glimpses of the potential within the squad.
However, these wins were often contrasted by unexpected losses, such as the home defeat to South Sudan and the narrow loss to Mauritius.
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14:00 - 02.11.2024
Gor Mahia top official joins calls to sack Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat
There has been growing pressure on Harambee Stars' head coach following recent poor performances, with the prominent Gor Mahia official calling for his dismissal to improve the national team's direction.
The inconsistency has left fans with mixed feelings, unsure whether Firat’s leadership will ultimately be transformative or fleeting.
Firat’s philosophy centers around identifying and nurturing a more creative and assertive playing style, but he has been vocal about the limitations he faces.
“The reality is that Kenyan football is missing a lot of creative players and players who are really strong in one-on-one situations,” Firat observed after a frustrating 1-1 draw against South Sudan’s Bright Stars on September 13, 2023.
His critique is rooted in a need for players who can break through defensive lines, especially in matches where opponents play deep with strong defenders.
In these situations, Kenya has struggled to unlock its offensive potential, a problem Firat has acknowledged and tried to address.
Kenya’s recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers offer a mixed picture of Firat’s impact.
Out of the pool of players who have participated, approximately 60% have been regular selections for the past three years, showing the Turkish coach’s preference for a consistent squad.
This continuity has fostered familiarity within the team, which has yielded some promising performances.
For instance, the Stars’ 2-1 win against Qatar and 2-2 draw against Russia were standout moments showcasing the potential of a squad that under the right conditions can compete confidently.
Yet, despite these positive moments, Firat’s Harambee Stars have often found themselves struggling against stronger, more organized teams like Cameroon and Mali, who exposed Kenya’s weaknesses in attack and defense.
In both matches against Cameroon, Kenya fell short, conceding a combined five goals over two games and failing to secure any points.
These losses highlighted the gap between Kenya and Africa’s top footballing nations and underscored Firat’s concern about the lack of “creativity and players strong in one-on-one situations.”
There is no doubt that Firat’s tenure has left fans divided as his commitment to nurturing a stable squad and implementing a tactical foundation has won him support from those who value a long-term vision.
However, with results that have not consistently improved, critics question if Firat has truly pushed Kenyan football forward. His tenure seems to be marked by a recurring theme: just when it appears progress is being made, setbacks occur that dampen hopes.
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Firat’s reflections following matches indicate his understanding of the challenges facing Kenyan football.
“It is for me to see, think about matches and what I have to change,” he stated in one of his past interviews.
His tenure with the Harambee Stars might appear like a glass half full, but it is a story still being written.
His consistent squad selections, coupled with his honest assessments of the team’s creative limitations show a coach working to mold a cohesive and resilient side.
Firat’s focus on stability and tactical discipline offers Kenyan football a realistic roadmap for incremental growth, rather than overnight success.
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