FKF promises merit-based selection for new Harambee Stars coach
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 12.12.24. | 13:00
Firat's tenure with Harambee Stars lasted three years, during which the team managed only three competitive victories.
FKF president Hussein Mohamed has confirmed that the selection of the next Harambee Stars coach will be strictly merit-based, regardless of whether they choose a local or foreign coach.
The national team head coach position became vacant on Tuesday after Turkish coach Engin Firat resigned, citing non-payment of his salary for the past 12 months. The newly elected FKF administration has vowed to address the issue promptly.
Firat’s resignation followed remarks by Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen, who criticized the coach for failing to lead Kenya to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco and insisted that if Firat didn’t step down, the government would cease paying his salary.
Kenya now faces the urgency of appointing a new coach ahead of CHAN 2024, which the country will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania from 1st February.
Before CHAN, the national team is set to participate in the Mapinduzi Cup in Zanzibar, starting on 3 January.
When asked about the nationality of the next coach, Mohamed emphasized that the focus will be solely on merit.
"The decision will be purely based on merit. Whether local or foreign, the individual must have the necessary credentials, and the appointment will also consider performance. The nationality will not influence the recruitment process,” he stated during a press conference on Wednesday.
Mohamed acknowledged that the decision needs to be made quickly, and will be reviewed by the FKF National Executive Committee (NEC).
“The matter has been forwarded to the new FKF Executive Committee for evaluation. As you know, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will be co-hosting the African Nations Championship next year, so it’s crucial we assemble a strong team in time for the tournament,” Mohamed added.
Firat's tenure with Harambee Stars lasted three years, during which the team managed only three competitive victories.
