K. TeyaWhen and where former Harambee Stars coach will be laid to rest
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 10.03.26. | 08:57
Fırat, who passed away at the age of 55 after reportedly suffering a heart attack, died at Istanbul Airport while travelling back to Turkey from Beirut
Former Harambee Stars coach Engin Fırat will be laid to rest on Tuesday, 10 March, in line with Islamic burial traditions in his home country of Turkey.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
According to media reports from Turkey, Fırat’s body will be transferred today from the Istanbul Forensic Medicine Institution to the Mediterranean city of Antalya.
The late coach will then be buried on Tuesday after funeral prayers conducted following the noon (Dhuhr) prayer in Göynük town, located in the Kemer district of Antalya.
Fırat, who passed away at the age of 55 after reportedly suffering a heart attack, died at Istanbul Airport while travelling back to Turkey from Beirut.
His death was confirmed by Lebanese giants Nejmeh SC, whom he had recently joined as head coach in February 2026.
At the club, he was working with Kenyan internationals Austin Odhiambo, Anthony Akumu and Masoud Juma.
Fırat enjoyed a long coaching journey that began in 2002 when he worked as an assistant to Werner Lorant at Fenerbahçe S.K.
He later reunited with Lorant in Germany at LR Ahlen before managing several clubs across Asia and the Middle East, including Incheon United FC and Sivasspor.
He also coached in Iranian football with Saipa F.C. and Sepahan S.C. and served as assistant coach of the Iran national football team under legendary striker Ali Daei.
In 2019, Fırat took charge of the Moldova national football team before later moving to Kenya.
He was appointed head coach of Harambee Stars in 2021 on an interim basis, before his contract was formalised.
His tenure ran until December 2024.
During his time with Kenya, Fırat oversaw 23 matches, registering seven wins, seven draws and nine defeats.
Some of the notable results under his leadership included a 2–1 win over the Qatar national football team and impressive draws against Ivory Coast and the Russia national football team.
However, his reign also featured difficult moments, including a 5–0 defeat to Mali national football team in a 2022 World Cup qualifier.
The team also fell 4–0 to Cameroon in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
Throughout his tenure, Fırat frequently cited structural challenges in Kenyan football as a major obstacle, particularly the lack of a FIFA-approved stadium, which forced Kenya to host several matches abroad.
.jpg.webp)
Following his departure from the national team in December 2024, the Turkish tactician later moved to Lebanon to take up the job at Nejmeh SC.
Mozzart Sport Kenya extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Engin Fırat during this difficult time.
May his soul rest in peace.