Former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat dies at 55
Former Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat died on Monday, March 9, after suffering a heart attack at Istanbul Airport in Turkey while returning from Beirut. The 55-year-old Turkish tactician reportedly collapsed shortly after landing and could not be revived.
Firat was widely known for his international coaching career, which included spells in Iran, Moldova and Kenya. He took charge of the Kenyan national team in 2021 and remained in the role until late 2024, stepping down after the team failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Football Kenya Federation paid tribute to the coach, saying: “Firat dedicated his life to football and shared his experience with players across the world.” A former Harambee Stars official added: “He was passionate about developing teams and never stopped believing in Kenyan football.”
Only weeks before his death, Firat had begun a new chapter in his career after taking over Lebanese club Nejmeh SC, hoping to rebuild the side and chase domestic success.