Murkomen hints at Firat’s departure following Kenya's AFCON miss
By Rama Mohammed |
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat’s future hangs in the balance after Kenya failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has hinted at the likelihood of his exit, citing a contract clause tied to AFCON qualification. However, the final decision rests with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat’s future remains uncertain after Kenya’s failure to secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. While Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has strongly hinted at Firat’s exit, the final decision lies with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
Kenya finished third in Group J, behind Cameroon and Zimbabwe, who advanced to the tournament scheduled for December 2025 to January 2026. Firat managed to lead the team to just six points, drawing criticism from fans and football stakeholders who have called for his removal.
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Speaking after Kenya's final match against Namibia, Firat admitted his future was unclear, noting that discussions would be necessary. “I spoke with President Nick Mwendwa, and if Doris Petra takes over, we will sit down and plan for next year. We have targets, including hosting a tournament in Nairobi. But we’ll see what happens after the elections,” Firat said, adding that he still has a contract.
However, Murkomen suggested that Firat’s dismissal may be inevitable due to contractual obligations. "The agreement between FKF and the coach stipulated that failure to qualify for AFCON would lead to disengagement. Since the ministry funded the contract, we will, given the circumstances, implement that clause and stop further payments," Murkomen said on Wednesday.
He also clarified that FKF alone has the authority to officially fire the coach. "Many have called for Firat’s dismissal, but FKF has the exclusive responsibility to hire and fire the coach. We cannot interfere directly," Murkomen added.
Kenya’s next major challenge is the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which kicks off on February 1, 2025. Whether Firat will still be at the helm by then remains to be seen.
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