Kenya head coach Engin Firat - Photo Courtesy FKF Media.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Sports Kipchumba Murkomen has hinted at terminating the contract of Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat after he failed to guide the team to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Harambee Stars finished their Group J campaign with six points accumulated from one win, three draws, and two defeats. Kenya’s campaign kicked off with a drab 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe, before they recovered to beat Namibia 2-1 in matchday two.
However, they suffered back-to-back defeats against Cameroon - 4-1 in the away game and 1-0 in the home game - before the 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in matchday five ended their qualification hopes as the Warriors qualified for the 35th edition of the tournament alongside table leaders Cameroon.
While many Kenyans have called for the sacking of Firat, Murkomen has confirmed the Kenyan government may be forced to end Firat's contract following his AFCON failures.
“I am aware of the agreement between FKF and the coach, which stipulates that failure to qualify for AFCON would lead to disengagement,” said Murkomen. “Since the ministry funded the contract, we will, given the circumstances of our failure to qualify, implement that part of the agreement and cease providing further resources.
“When we failed to qualify for AFCON, many people called for the coach’s sacking. However, they don’t realize that only FKF has the exclusive responsibility to hire and fire the coach.”
Meanwhile, Firat insists he will be around to handle the team during the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
“I spoke with President Nick Mwendwa, and if Doris Petra takes over, we will sit down and plan for next year. We have targets, including hosting a tournament in Nairobi, but it's all football. We’ll see what happens after the elections. I also have a contract, and that’s a reality.”
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