Engin Firat: Harambee Stars Head Coach Named Most Successful Turkish Coach Abroad

• Engin Firat has been named Turkey's most successful coach abroad
• The 53-year-old has managed the Kenyan side through tough times
• The Turk has had to work with many unknown players in the squad

Kenyan national coach, Engin Firat was honoured as the most successful Turkish coach abroad on December 21, in a remarkable recognition of his achievements.

The Istanbul ATA Club Award Ceremony witnessed the 53-year-old tactician feted for his exceptional success since assuming the role with the Harambee Stars.

Initially, Firat worked without any notable talents in his first team, having transforming Kenya into a team with a favourable future since.

Part of the awards event's statement on Firat's recognition read as follows, per IHA News:

"His remarkable achievements, particularly away performances and results against formidable teams like Iran, Qatar, and Russia, have garnered global recognition."

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Firat graduated from Sports University in Germany and began his professional managerial career as an assistant to head coach, Horst Hrubesch with Samsunspor in 1997.

He assumed the role as Kenya's head coach on September 19, 2021, succeeding Jacob Mulee.

His tenure with the national team includes notable matches in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, where Kenya faced Mali and Uganda. Despite initial challenges, Firat guided the team to a 2-1 victory against Rwanda in Kigali.

Following a FIFA ban on Kenya due to government interference, the Turk managed the team during international friendlies and a Four Nations tournament in Mauritius.

He sensationally claimed that the Harambee Stars lacked creative players following the damaging defeat to South Sudan on September 12.

"Kenya lacks creative players, players who can beat opponents one-on-one. We have problems in the flanks here in Kenyan football compared to internationally," he said at the time, as reported by Nation Sports.

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Kenya unmoved in latest FIFA Ranking

Sports Brief previously reported on Kenya maintaining their FIFA global ranking after the final release of the listing by the football governing body on December 21.

Harambee Stars’ performance fluctuated during the year, recording impressive wins and disappointing defeats, which have contributed to their unmoved placing.

Firat’s men kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in November with a 2-1 loss to Gabon, before handing Seychelles a 5-0 thumping away from home.