- Former Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has passed away in his home country of Turkey
- Firat served as the head coach of the Kenyan national team for three years before resigning in December 2024
- His club, Nejmeh SC, have revealed how the 55-year-old coach died and paid tribute to his professional dedication
Former head coach of Harambee Stars Engin Firat has passed away.
Source: Getty Images
How did Engin Firat die?
At the time of his death, Firat was the head coach of the Lebanese team Nejmeh SC, where he coached three Harambee Stars players, Austin Odhiambo, Anthony Akumu and Masoud Juma.
Firat passed away on Sunday evening after suffering a heart attack at Istanbul airport in Turkey.
His club confirmed the sad news and said,
“With deep sorrow and sadness, Star Athletic Club mourns the first team coach, Captain Engin Firat, who died following a sudden heart attack at Istanbul Airport, on his way to Adna, a few hours after leaving Beirut for his country.
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The Lebanese rocks also paid tribute to the coach they appointed a month ago. Firat has been described as a man who had high morals and left a good record.
During his stay with the club, the deceased was known for his professional commitment and high morals, 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, technical and administrative staff, players and spectators of Al-Najma Club offer their sincere condolences and sincere condolences to his generous family and loved ones, asking Allah to shower his mercy on him and give them patience and comfort.” “Rest in peace Coach Engin Firat. Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Source: Twitter
Who was Engin Firat?
Firat was a well-travelled professional who served at many clubs, including Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahce and Sicasspor.
Before being appointed Harambee Stars boss in 2021, he was the head coach of the Moldovan national team.
His tenure in Kenya lasted for three years, ending in December 2024, shortly after the new Football Kenya Federation (FKF) led by Hussein Mohamed selected.
“Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat. His contribution to Kenyan football will be greatly missed, may his soul find eternal peace,” said the FKF president in his message on social media accounts.
He was unemployed throughout 2025 before being signed by Nejmeh SC, one of the most accomplished clubs in Lebanon.
Harambee Stars enter the FIFA tournament
Meanwhile, Harambee Stars are set to play in the FIFA Series tournament this month. Benni McCarthy’s team will play against Estonia, and one of the teams between Rwanda and Grenada in the games that will be held at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.
The tournament is part of FIFA’s plans to provide national teams with competitive friendly games against teams from different continents.
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