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Harambee Stars attacker opens up on last conversation and deep bond with Engin Firat
11th March, 2026 12:47 PM
Harambee Stars attacker Masud Juma has paid a heartfelt tribute to the departed coach Engin Firat, describing the influential role the gaffer had in his football career.
Speaking to a Milele FM journalist, Vincent Voiyoo, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Juma shared insights into the special bond he had with the Turkish trainer, giving insights into the jovial personality and easygoing nature of the former Stars coach.
More than a coach
“To me, he was more than a coach. There was a time I had an Achilles injury, and he used to check on me during that time. He is a coach who believed in my abilities,” he stated.
While sharing on the coach’s amiable nature, Masud recounted an isolated moment when the gaffer inquired whether he was a model after being struck by his choice of dress and grooming.
“There is this time when I remember him asking me if I was a model after sensing a change in my attire,” he recalled.
“He was a happy man, always upbeat and joyful. Before his death, we were in conversation, laughing, and he was telling us how he had spoken with people and that the war would end soon, and the team would be reunited again. Little did we know it was the last moment.
His death is a loss for football and for me personally, as he means a lot to me,” he added.
Akumu on Firat’s influence
His sentiments were echoed by his teammate Anthony Akumu, who also had an emotional recollection of the coach.
Akumu relayed how the coach touched lives beyond the game.
“We worked with him for a long time since he came to Kenya. He has been a key player in the moves abroad. So he is a man I respect and had a big role in my life.
Laid to rest
“Beyond football, he is full of advice. News of his death when I arrived in Nairobi really hit me,” he said.
The former Harambee Stars tactician tragically passed on Monday March 9, 2026, after collapsing at the airport in Istanbul.
His remains were interred on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Göynük, within the Kemer district of Antalya, Turkey, in accordance with Muslim customs.
