The availability of Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat is now in question after rumors that he is missing before the team’s upcoming friendly match against Burundi in March. The uncertainty has rocked Kenyan football enthusiasts as they wait to see if the match will go on as scheduled.
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) had earlier announced that Harambee Stars would play two friendly matches against Burundi, with the games scheduled for March 25 and 28, 2023, in Nairobi. However, with the alleged absence of Coach Firat, there are growing concerns about the team’s preparedness for the matches.
Rumors suggest that Firat, a Turkish coach, had a disagreement with the Football Kenya Federation that was not disclosed to the public. These unconfirmed sources further state that the coach is missing ahead of the friendly matches against Burundi, leaving the team without clear guidance on how to approach the games.
Two weeks ago in a statement on their website , FKF quoted Coach Firat as saying that the friendlies would help the team develop after a long break. “It is important to keep the team engaged, to keep working so that we are able to play at a good level when we return,” he said.
However, with the coach’s alleged absence, there are growing concerns that the team may not be adequately prepared for the upcoming matches. Fans are now calling on the FKF to clarify the situation regarding Firat’s absence and ensure that the team is well-prepared for the matches.
This uncertainty comes as Kenya’s football continues to grapple with challenges, including the previous suspension by FIFA over government interference in Kenya football. The suspension had affected Kenya’s participation in international football, and fans had hoped that the upcoming friendly matches would help to re-energize the team and boost morale.
