Former Kenya Coach Engin Firat Dies from Heart Attack at Istanbul Airport

2026-03-09 community

Nairobi, 9 March 2026
Engin Firat, who managed Kenya’s Harambee Stars from 2021 to 2024, suffered a fatal heart attack at Istanbul Airport on 3rd March whilst travelling from Beirut to Adana. The 55-year-old Turkish coach was en route to his home country after coaching Lebanese club Nejmeh SC when the tragedy occurred.

A Career Dedicated to Football Development

Firat’s football journey began at the age of 22 as an assistant coach with Turkish club Samsunspor [2]. Born on 11th June 1970 in Istanbul [2], he developed his coaching expertise across multiple continents, managing teams in Iran’s Super League including Saipa, Foolad Tabriz, and Sepahan [2]. His international coaching experience extended to managing both the Iranian and Moldovan national teams before arriving in Kenya [2].

Mixed Results and Lasting Impact

Despite his dedication to developing Kenyan football, Firat faced challenges in achieving major tournament qualifications. The team failed to qualify for both the 2023 and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations under his leadership [2]. However, his tenure was marked by notable successes, including Kenya’s triumph in the Four Nations Cup held in Malawi in March 2024, where the team defeated hosts Malawi 4-0 and Zimbabwe 3-1 in the final [5].

Tributes Pour In from Football Community

Nejmeh SC remembered Firat as a coach known for his ‘professional commitment and high ethics’ who ‘left a good impression on the ranks of the team and among the members of the star club family’ [5]. Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed also expressed condolences, acknowledging Firat’s significant contributions to Kenyan football during his time with the national team [2]. The club’s management, technical and administrative staff, players, and supporters extended their ‘deepest condolences and sincere condolences to his generous family and loved ones’ [2][5].

Bronnen

Harambee Stars football coach