Engin Firat hits back at critics following recognition as most successful Turkish coach abroad
Expressing frustration with critics who questioned his award in light of Harambee Stars' drop in the FIFA rankings, Firat clarified that the decline was a consequence of not participating in official matches during a ban period.
Harambee Stars head coach, Engin Firat, has responded to detractors he refers to as "ignorant football experts" who cast doubt on his recent accolade as the most successful Turkish coach abroad.
The 53-year-old coach defended himself against those disputing the legitimacy of his award and clarified the criteria that led to his acknowledgement.
More To Read
- Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy thanks Kenyans for ‘untouchable’ support at CHAN
- Ruto grants Harambee Stars Sh1 million each for affordable housing, increases athlete rewards
- Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy uses social media to address fans' concerns over squad selection
- Ulinzi Stars Captain Boniface Muchiri promoted to Corporal for CHAN exploits
- Coach Benni McCarthy unveils Harambee Stars squad as Kenya chases 2026 World Cup dream
- Explainer: Why Sonko’s petition to overturn Kenya's CHAN loss against Madagascar is unlikely to succeed
He has faced criticism from certain quarters, with sceptics questioning the justification for the award, notwithstanding his recent successes with Harambee Stars.
In an interview on Radio Jambo, Firat staunchly defended his recognition, highlighting Harambee Stars' significant achievements under his stewardship.
“Here, the people do not understand who we played. We played Iran, Qatar, Russia, and we played away and not at home. Everybody forgets this (we had just come from a ban). Even the coach of Iran asked me,; ’How did you make it? 500 days without a match, you come like this?" he explained.
The Turkish coach underscored the unique challenges of managing Kenya in football, emphasizing the team's commendable performances against formidable opponents such as Iran, Qatar, and Russia.
Expressing frustration with critics who questioned his award in light of Harambee Stars' drop in the FIFA rankings, Firat clarified that the decline resulted from not participating in official matches during a ban period.
He delved into the intricacies of the FIFA ranking system, emphasizing how the team's standing was impacted by the absence of official matches during the ban.
"I became really upset because I have to explain how the ranking works to the football fans. It's not their job to check how it works, but these so-called 'football experts' and journalists, how they do not know all this and yet they write that, they did not understand this," Firat said on Radio Jambo.
Top Stories Today
- Live blog: Governor Erick Mutai’s impeachment trial enters third day
- UN warns Kenyans over spike in scams linked to staff relocation to Nairobi
- Indiscipline to blame for Nairobi–Nakuru Highway gridlock, says KeNHA
- KNCHR nominee admits victims’ compensation panel encroaches on commission
- Kenya losing over Sh600 billion in stalled public projects, says PMI
- Government to allow raw sugar imports to ease 400,000 metric tonne shortage
