Introduction: Engin Firat’s Tenure in Focus
Since his appointment as head coach of Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, Engin Firat has been a polarizing figure. While he has achieved a few notable victories in friendlies, his tenure has been plagued with inconsistency, leaving fans and critics questioning the direction of the team. Following a lackluster performance against Zimbabwe in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, these concerns have only deepened.
In this article, we’ll examine whether Harambee Stars are truly making progress under Firat’s leadership, or if the team is stuck in a cycle of excuses, missed opportunities, and stagnation.
Positive Moments: Friendly Wins and Tournament Success
To understand Firat’s reign, it’s essential to acknowledge the positives. Upon taking the helm in 2021, Firat managed to orchestrate friendly matches against Qatar and Russia, two teams significantly higher in world rankings. He also led Kenya to victory in the Four Nations Tournament, defeating Namibia and Zimbabwe to claim the title.
These victories were seen as a breath of fresh air for the Harambee Stars, instilling hope that Kenya could build momentum for larger competitions like AFCON and the World Cup qualifiers. Firat’s ability to get results in friendlies demonstrated that he could prepare the team for high-level competition, but these isolated successes have not translated into sustained progress.
The Zimbabwe AFCON Qualifier: Another Disappointing Performance
Kenya’s recent clash with Zimbabwe in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers has raised new doubts about Firat’s leadership. Played away from home due to the lack of a FIFA-accredited stadium in Kenya, the match ended in a frustrating performance where Kenya failed to capitalize on their chances.
In his post-match comments, Firat pointed to player absences and the team’s bad luck, much like he did after Kenya’s World Cup qualifying loss to Gabon in 2023. These recurring themes of blaming external factors have raised questions about whether Firat is willing to take accountability for the team’s shortcomings.
Kenya’s failure to dominate an opponent like Zimbabwe, who are widely regarded as one of the more beatable teams in the group, adds to the frustration. Firat’s decision not to start a striker, despite having options on the bench, baffled many, especially when Kenya’s attack struggled to create meaningful chances.
Patterns of Excuses: Missing Players and “Bad Luck”
Throughout Firat’s tenure, a pattern of excuses has emerged. When Kenya lost to Mali and Seychelles in earlier competitions, Firat pointed to missing players and the “nervousness” of playing at home as reasons for the poor performances. In other matches, he cited bad luck, referring to controversial refereeing decisions, as seen in the Zimbabwe clash, where Firat claimed the referee failed to send off two Zimbabwean players.
While external factors do play a role in football, His reliance on these explanations can come across as deflecting responsibility. After several years in charge, fans are eager to see more tangible results and fewer justifications for why the team is underperforming.
Tactical Concerns: Lack of Clarity and Identity
One of the key criticisms of his leadership is the lack of a clear tactical identity for the Harambee Stars. While Firat has experimented with different formations and lineups, the team often appears disjointed on the pitch, with no consistent style of play. This lack of clarity has been evident in key matches where Kenya needed to assert control but failed to do so.
The decision not to start a recognized striker against Zimbabwe is emblematic of Firat’s sometimes puzzling tactical choices. With no focal point in attack, Kenya struggled to create opportunities, and the team appeared hesitant going forward. Firat’s approach, which often prioritizes defensive solidity, has led to frustrating performances where Kenya struggles to break down opposition defenses.
The question that many are now asking is whether Firat has the ability to develop a cohesive tactical plan that suits the talents of the Harambee Stars.
Can Firat Turn Things Around?
Despite the setbacks, it’s not too late for Firat to turn things around. Kenya’s AFCON qualification campaign is still in its early stages, and Firat has shown that he can rally the team to perform in critical moments. However, for the team to truly progress, Firat will need to move beyond excuses and take accountability for the team’s failures.
He must also develop a clear tactical identity that plays to Kenya’s strengths. The team has several talented players, including defenders like Joseph Okumu and attackers like Duke Abuya, who can perform at a high level when used effectively. HE needs to ensure that these players are utilized properly and that the team operates as a cohesive unit.
Additionally, Firat must adapt to the challenges of managing a national team. Kenya has faced numerous obstacles, from the lack of a FIFA-accredited stadium to administrative issues within the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). Firat must show resilience in the face of these challenges and work to inspire the team despite external pressures.
The Road Ahead: AFCON Qualifiers and Beyond
Kenya’s road to AFCON 2025 will not be easy. With teams like Namibia and Ivory Coast in their group, Harambee Stars must improve quickly if they hope to secure a spot in the tournament. A win against Namibia in the next fixture could provide the much-needed momentum to get the team back on track.
However, if Kenya fails to deliver convincing performances in the upcoming matches, Firat’s tenure could be at risk. Fans are growing impatient, and the Football Kenya Federation may decide that a change in leadership is necessary to ensure the team’s progress.
Conclusion: Is Progress Under Firat Stalling?
Engin Firat’s tenure as Harambee Stars coach has been a mixed bag. While there have been moments of promise, including friendly wins and tournament success, the team’s overall progress remains questionable. His reliance on excuses like missing players and bad luck has done little to quell concerns, and the lack of a clear tactical identity has led to inconsistent performances.
As Kenya continues its AFCON 2025 qualification journey, the pressure is mounting on Firat to deliver real results. The next few matches will be critical in determining whether Kenya is truly progressing under his leadership or if a new direction is needed to restore the team’s fortunes.
