Heartbreak as former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat dies at the airport
By Luke Oluoch, March 9, 2026Former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has passed away.
The news of his demise has been relayed by his club, Nejmeh SC, where he assumed the role in February 2026.
The cause of his death has been reported as a heart attack he suffered in Istanbul.
Passed away
“With great sadness and sorrow, Star Athletic Club mourns first team coach Captain Engin Virat, who passed away following a sudden heart attack while at Istanbul Airport, on his way to Adana, a few hours after leaving Beirut for his country,” part of Nejmeh’s statement read.
The club, home to the Kenyan trio of Masud Juma, Anthony Akumu, and Austine Odhiambo, extended their message of condolence to the Turkish tactician.
“The management of the club, the technical and administrative staff, the players, and the audience of Al-Najma Club extend their deepest condolences and sincere condolences to his generous family and loved ones, asking God to shower him with His mercy and inspire them with patience and solace,” it added.
He took charge of the Kenya national team, the Harambee Stars, in November 2021, signing a four-year contract under Nick Mwendwa’s led administration.
Part of his deliverables included guiding Kenya to the 34th edition of the 2023 African Cup of Nations as well as the 35th edition of AFCON 2025, both of which he failed to deliver.
Resignation
He later resigned from his role on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, through a written notice to the FKF president, Hussein Mohammed.
“I would like to point out that the national team coach terminated his contract through a notice that was issued at the beginning of this week, and it was important to convene the media and inform all Kenyans that as we speak today, he opted to terminate his contract with the federation, and we will be looking at alternatives and a way forward,” Hussein stated.
Other than Kenya, the gaffer also had stints with the Moldova national team between October 2019 and January 202. He also took charge of Saipa FC in Iran between July 2013 and May 2014.
After his role with the Kenyan national team, he took on the Nejmeh SC job in Lebanon.