- Former Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat dies at 55 Nejmeh SC has confirmed.
- Firat died on on Monday, March 9, after suffering a heart attack while at Istanbul Airport on his way to Adana.
- Firat, 55 was the immediate former Harambee Stars head coach before his contract was terminated in December 2024.
Former Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has passed away at the age of 55, his Lebanese club Nejmeh SC has confirmed.
According to the announcement made by Nejmeh on Monday, March 9, the Turkish tactician suffered a heart attack while at Istanbul Airport on his way to Adana, just hours after departing Beirut.
“To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return. With great sadness and sorrow, Star Athletic Club mourns first team coach Captain Engin Firat, who passed away following a sudden heart attack while at Istanbul Airport, on his way to Adana, a few hours after leaving Beirut for his country,” the Lebanese side confirmed.
ALSO READ: Engin Firat terminates contract as Harambee Stars head coach over pending arrears
Former Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat dies
Firat’s passing comes just months after he was appointed as Nejmeh head coach earlier this year in February.
Nejmeh is home to Kenyan players Austin Odhiambo, Anthony Akumu, and Masoud Juma, all of whom featured for the club and had worked under Firat during their time with the national team.
The club did not hold back in praising his tactical expertise.
“During the time he spent with the club, the deceased was known for his professional commitment and high ethics, and he left a good impression on the ranks of the team and among the members of the Star Club family.”
“The management of the club, the technical and administrative staff, the players, and the audience of Al-Najma Club extend their deepest condolences to his generous family and loved ones, asking God to shower him with His mercy and inspire them with patience and solace.”
Firat, who would have turned 56 this June, was the immediate former Harambee Stars head coach before his contract was terminated in December 2024 with Benni McCarthy later appointed.
His departure from the national team came after he failed to guide the country to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations that was held in Morocco from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.
Firat was appointed Harambee Stars head coach in September 2021 and oversaw 24 matches during his tenure.
He secured seven wins in those 24 fixtures, with only three of those victories coming in competitive matches.
His stint began with two consecutive defeats against West African powerhouse Mali in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.
ALSO READ: ‘The problem was the management’ – Victor Wanyama defends Engin Firat
He then picked up a draw against East African rivals Uganda before securing his first win against Rwanda.
The Turkish coach later led Harambee Stars in several friendly matches, with his biggest victory coming in a 5-0 thrashing of Seychelles in November 2023.
Firat initially signed a two-month contract with FKF in September 2021, which later earned him a four-year and two-month extension until January 2026.
Part of his targets included steering Kenya to the 2023 and 2025 AFCON tournaments, which would have triggered a further two-year extension.
However, he fell short on both fronts, with Kenya finishing third behind Cameroon and Zimbabwe in the just-concluded 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
SportPesa Blog extends its deepest condolences and mourns with the family and friends of former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
ALSO READ: ‘Things will get worse’ – Firat warns after Harambee Stars miss AFCON 2025 ticket