Former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat dies aged 56

Former Harambee Stars head coach Engin Fırat has died after suffering a heart attack at the age of 56, ending the life of a football coach whose career intersected with one of the most complicated periods in Kenyan football.

According to Lebanese Premier League side Nejmeh SC, which he was coaching until his sudden demise, Fırat reportedly collapsed while at an airport in Istanbul, Turkey, on arrival from Beirut.

His death has since drawn reactions from players, supporters, and football administrators across several countries where he previously worked.

Kenyan fans remember Fırat mainly for his time with Harambee Stars between 2021 and 2024. He stepped into the role at a time when the national team was facing significant uncertainty following Kenya's suspension from international football and ongoing governance issues affecting the sport.

With limited competitive fixtures available, the coach had to rely heavily on friendly matches and short training camps to keep the team active.

Away from the touchline, Fırat often spoke openly about the structural difficulties facing Kenyan football, including the lack of internationally approved stadiums and disruptions caused by administrative disputes.

Those circumstances made it difficult for the team to host matches at home, forcing players to travel frequently for fixtures that would normally be played on Kenyan soil.

At club level, he continued working with players who had previously been part of the Harambee Stars setup, reflecting the professional relationships he built during his time in the country.

While his tenure in Kenya generated mixed reactions among supporters, Fırat remained a visible and outspoken figure in the national football conversation. His passing now closes a chapter linked to a challenging yet memorable period for Harambee Stars.