Kenya’s national football coach, Engin Firat, is facing a significant crisis after revealing that the government owes him Ksh. 13.5 million in unpaid salary arrears, an issue that has lingered for the past nine months.
The Turkish tactician made this revelation shortly after Harambee Stars secured a vital 2-1 victory over Namibia in the AFCON qualifiers.
Firat’s frustration stems not only from the salary arrears but also from the lack of support he has received from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), further compounding the challenges in leading the national team.
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Engin Firat’s Unpaid Salary Crisis: A Symptom of a Bigger Problem
Firat’s unpaid salary issue is not new in Kenyan football. It reflects the deeper financial and administrative challenges facing the Football Kenya Federation and the Ministry of Sports, which are responsible for financing and managing the national team.
According to Firat, he has not been paid even a single dollar for nine months, which amounts to Ksh. 13.5 million, based on his monthly salary of Ksh. 1.5 million. This salary, as per his contract, excludes any undisclosed bonuses and allowances.
For a coach at the helm of a national team, salary arrears of this magnitude can create significant hardship.
Firat’s growing frustration was evident during a post-match interview after Kenya’s AFCON qualifier win against Namibia, where he not only addressed the salary issue but also raised concerns about the overall management of Kenyan football.
Public Criticism and Firat’s Tactical Response
Firat’s statement about his unpaid salary came in the wake of public criticism of his tactics in the previous game against Zimbabwe, where Kenya drew 0-0 in a lackluster performance.
The coach was criticized for deploying a strategy that didn’t include a traditional striker, leading to a goalless draw.
Firat used the Namibia post-match conference to respond to these criticisms, explaining how difficult it is to work effectively under such challenging financial conditions.
“I am also not okay,” Firat said. “If you don’t pay the coach for nine months, even one dollar, then what do you want? I want people to stop criticizing the team.” His statement highlights how off-pitch issues can affect the performance of both players and coaching staff, disrupting the team’s focus and morale.
Firat also criticized the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for failing to deliver on promises to transport 5,000 Kenyan fans to Uganda for the match against Zimbabwe.
The absence of fans, coupled with hosting games outside the country due to the lack of FIFA and CAF-certified stadiums, has left the coach feeling unsupported and disillusioned with the current state of Kenyan football.
The Importance of Salary and Support in Football Success
The issue of unpaid salaries for national team coaches is not unique to Kenya, but the extent of the delay in Firat’s case raises concerns about the commitment of the Kenyan government and FKF to their national football program.
Football success, particularly on the international stage, requires not only talent on the field but also a robust support system that includes timely payments, proper facilities, and logistical backing.
Firat’s current salary is paid by the Kenyan government through the Ministry of Sports, but this is not the first time there has been a delay in his payments. Earlier this year, the ministry had to clear similar outstanding debts after months of not paying him.
The recurring issue indicates that there is a systematic problem in the way football finances are managed in Kenya.
The salary arrears problem not only affects the coach but also the players and their performances. Without proper support, motivation wanes, and this can negatively impact a team’s overall competitiveness, especially in high-stakes tournaments like the AFCON qualifiers.
For Kenya to continue competing at the top level of African football, these financial issues must be resolved urgently.
Kenya’s AFCON Journey So Far: From Struggles to Triumphs
Despite the off-pitch challenges, Harambee Stars have managed to deliver on the field. Their recent 2-1 victory over Namibia was a crucial win that propelled them to the top of Group J in the AFCON 2023 qualifiers.
Kenya now has four points, tied with Cameroon, but holds the advantage due to their superior goal-scoring record.
The win against Namibia was a significant morale booster for the team, especially after the disappointing draw against Zimbabwe.
However, as Kenya prepares for an upcoming double-header against Cameroon in October, Firat’s salary issue could become a major distraction. If left unresolved, it could hinder the team’s preparation and overall performance.
Securing a place in next year’s AFCON in Morocco will require Kenya to remain focused and united. The top two teams from Group J will advance, and with critical fixtures against Namibia and Zimbabwe also coming up in November, there is little room for error.
Ensuring that the coaching staff and players are well-supported financially is crucial to maintaining Kenya’s momentum in the tournament.
Firat’s Three-Year Contract: What Lies Ahead?
Engin Firat signed a three-year contract with the Football Kenya Federation two years ago, shortly after Kenya’s FIFA transfer ban was lifted.
His contract, which guarantees him Ksh. 1.5 million per month, is set to expire in 2025. However, given the financial challenges he has faced, there are growing concerns about whether Firat will remain with the national team beyond the AFCON qualifiers.
If the government and FKF do not address his salary issue promptly, it is possible that Firat may reconsider his future with Harambee Stars. His frustrations are evident, and while he remains committed to the team’s success, the ongoing financial uncertainty could push him to seek other opportunities elsewhere.
Firat’s impact on Kenyan football is undeniable. Under his leadership, the team has shown significant progress, particularly in their recent AFCON qualifying campaign.
Losing a coach of his caliber would be a setback for Kenyan football, especially at a time when the national team is striving to make its mark on the international stage.
The Role of the Ministry of Sports and FKF in Supporting the National Team
The Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Sports, has a crucial role to play in ensuring that the national football team is adequately supported. Timely payment of salaries is not only a legal obligation but also a reflection of the government’s commitment to the national team’s success.
The Football Kenya Federation also bears responsibility for creating a conducive environment for both players and coaches.
This includes ensuring that promises, such as fan support and proper logistics, are met. Firat’s criticism of FKF’s failure to deliver on their promise of transporting 5,000 fans to Uganda highlights the need for better planning and execution of support strategies for the team.
The government and FKF must work together to resolve these issues if Kenya is to achieve its football ambitions.
This includes not only addressing the immediate concerns around unpaid salaries but also creating a long-term strategy for the financial sustainability of Kenyan football.
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Looking Ahead: Kenya’s Next Steps in AFCON Qualifiers
As Kenya prepares for a crucial double-header against Cameroon in October, the focus will be on maintaining their top spot in Group J and securing a place in the AFCON 2023 tournament.
The road ahead will not be easy, but with the right support, Kenya has the potential to qualify and make a strong showing at next year’s tournament.
To achieve this, it is essential that the off-pitch issues, such as Firat’s unpaid salary, are resolved swiftly. The team cannot afford distractions as they face one of Africa’s football powerhouses in Cameroon.
The Ministry of Sports and FKF must prioritize the financial well-being of the coaching staff to ensure that the team remains focused on their goal of qualifying for AFCON.
With the right backing and support, Harambee Stars can continue their upward trajectory and make a mark on the continental stage.
Fans across Kenya will be eagerly watching as the team embarks on the next phase of their AFCON journey, with many following the action as Jambobet offers live betting in Kenya, making it easier for football lovers to stay engaged with every thrilling moment.
Financial Stability Key to Kenya’s Football Success
The Harambee Stars have the talent and potential to succeed on the African stage, but financial stability is essential to their continued growth.
The unresolved salary issue facing coach Engin Firat is a symptom of deeper problems within Kenyan football, and it must be addressed immediately to ensure the national team’s success in the AFCON qualifiers and beyond.
By resolving these financial challenges and providing the necessary support to both players and coaching staff, Kenya can build a strong foundation for long-term success in international football.
