The pressure is mounting on Kenya’s national football team coach, Engin Firat, as fans and former coaches call for his dismissal following recent poor performances by Harambee Stars.
However, the cost of terminating Firat’s contract is no small matter, with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) facing a potential Ksh. 50 million payout if they decide to part ways with the Turkish tactician.
This situation highlights both the financial and structural challenges facing Kenyan football today, as FKF grapples with the cost of maintaining or terminating contracts for national team coaches.
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Why Firat’s Sacking Would Come at a High Price
Engin Firat joined FKF under a three-year contract last year, which entitles him to a monthly salary of Ksh. 1.5 million.
His contract stipulates a total earning of Ksh. 54 million over the full term. Consequently, sacking Firat now would require FKF to pay him nearly Ksh. 50 million to cover the remainder of his contract, a substantial sum for a federation that has historically struggled with financial stability.
This large payout has been a key deterrent for FKF, despite public calls to replace Firat. Terminating contracts prematurely in football is rarely cheap, and for a federation like FKF, which depends heavily on government funding, taking on a significant financial burden could have long-term implications for the development of football in Kenya.
Calls for Firat’s Removal Intensify After Recent Losses
Criticism of Firat’s performance has grown significantly following Harambee Stars’ back-to-back losses, including a surprising defeat to South Sudan in the African Nations Championships (CHAN).
Former Harambee Stars coach James Nandwa has been vocal about his dissatisfaction, recently suggesting that Firat should be let go after failing to secure a win in two consecutive matches.
“In our days, he would not still be in his position after such results. He would have been fired by now,” Nandwa said in an interview with Sports Boom. Nandwa’s sentiments resonate with many fans who feel that Engin Firat has not been able to maximize Harambee Stars’ potential on the pitch.
The federation, however, remains caught between maintaining stability in the coaching staff and addressing fans’ frustrations over the team’s recent poor results. This balancing act has left FKF in a difficult position, particularly given the high costs associated with Firat’s possible dismissal.
A History of Expensive Sackings in Kenyan Football
This is not the first time FKF has faced the prospect of an expensive coaching dismissal. Four years ago, former Harambee Stars coach Adel Amrouche sued FKF for unfair dismissal, eventually winning a settlement close to Ksh. 100 million.
The payout came after years of legal wrangling, with the funds eventually sourced from FIFA’s development fund. This incident underscored the financial risks FKF faces when making hasty decisions about coaching contracts.
Similar cases have followed, with FKF losing multiple dismissal cases at FIFA. These past experiences likely weigh on FKF’s current decision-making process regarding Engin Firat. The federation is wary of repeating past mistakes, knowing that another costly legal battle or payout could strain their already limited resources and hinder other football development initiatives in Kenya.
Firat’s Sacrifices and Delayed Salaries
Adding to the complexity of the situation is Firat’s claim of delayed salaries, which he disclosed recently. According to Firat, he has not been paid for nine months, despite continuing to lead the team in African qualifiers. This delay in payment, attributed to funding issues within the Ministry of Sports, has put additional strain on Firat and his coaching staff.
“I want Kenyans to understand that these boys and myself are giving our best under very difficult conditions,” Engin Firat said after Harambee Stars defeated Namibia 2-1 in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
His comments revealed the challenging environment under which he has been working and raised questions about the broader financial and structural issues affecting Kenya’s football administration.
While FKF faces calls for Firat’s dismissal, the coach has remained committed to his role, attempting to guide Harambee Stars through a difficult period despite ongoing challenges with funding and salaries.
The Financial Constraints of FKF and Kenyan Football
The FKF’s reliance on government funding underscores the financial limitations the federation faces in its day-to-day operations. In addition to managing national team expenses, FKF is tasked with promoting football development across the country, including youth programs and local league support. Paying out a significant sum to release Firat could jeopardize these essential programs, impacting Kenyan football from the grassroots level upwards.
This financial instability has left FKF in a tough position, balancing short-term performance goals with long-term sustainability. Terminating Firat’s contract would be a significant expense, but allowing him to continue while grappling with delayed salaries and public dissatisfaction poses its own set of challenges.
Alternatives for FKF and the Future of Harambee Stars
Given the current situation, FKF has several potential options to address the issues surrounding Engin Firat’s tenure. One possible approach could be a mutual termination agreement, which may reduce the financial burden on FKF while still allowing for a change in leadership.
Another option could involve temporarily supporting Firat with additional resources and staffing to improve Harambee Stars’ performance without the need for a costly contract termination.
Alternatively, FKF could look to renegotiate terms with Engin Firat, possibly allowing for performance-based evaluations that could provide the federation with more flexibility in the event of future issues. Each option has its advantages and drawbacks, but FKF will need to carefully consider the long-term implications of any decision made regarding Firat’s position.
The Broader Implications for Kenyan Football
The situation with Engin Firat is a microcosm of the broader challenges facing Kenyan football. With limited resources, ongoing administrative issues, and public pressure, FKF faces the difficult task of balancing national team performance with sustainable development.
The financial cost of dismissing Firat could have significant implications, not only for Harambee Stars but also for the future of football in Kenya.
To move forward, FKF may need to focus on creating a more financially stable environment, potentially by diversifying funding sources or securing private sponsorships to reduce dependence on government funds.
Additionally, implementing clear and transparent contract terms for national team coaches could help FKF avoid costly legal battles and ensure greater stability within the coaching staff.
