•The tactician was appointed to replace Kenyan Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee who has since taken up the role of technical director at Kenya Police in the Kenyan Premier League.
•However, Football Kenya Federation Communication Director Pharis Kimaru ruled out the possibility of an instant decision, adding a meeting would be scheduled to discuss the role.
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has left the country for his homeland Turkey just a day after guiding Kenya past Rwanda in a 2022 Fifa World Cup Qatar Group 'E' qualifier at Nyayo Stadium.
Firat, who had only two days left on his two-month contract signed on September 19, expressed a desire to pen an extension upon its expiry.
However, Football Kenya Federation Communication Director Pharis Kimaru ruled out the possibility of an instant decision, adding a meeting would be scheduled to discuss the role.
“It's true Firat left Wednesday morning. The contract he signed bound him to four World Cup qualifier matches, which are now over. There were initial plans to review his contract after the qualifiers, but that is now impossible given the existing situation. His future will be decided at a later date,” said Kimaru.
Firat, who had a stint with Moldova before his appointment in Kenya experienced a lackadaisical run at the helm of Harambee Stars where he registered two losses (against Mali home and away), three draws (against Uganda home and away and Rwanda away) before managing the only win against Rwanda.
Meanwhile, Firat has tipped the Kenyan team to shine bright soon, saying there is a wealth of talent in the current squad mainly comprising youngsters he assembled from local top-tier teams.
“It has been an amazing journey for me in Kenyan football. Remember when I took over I said that if I don’t see any future, then there is no need of staying. However, these boys have displayed a great deal of potential and that has sent me thinking about the possibility of extending my stay in the country.”
“Anyone with eyes can tell the current Harambee Stars squad has a bright future. We have a young team averaging between 20 and 22 years who can still be active even for the next 10 years. We should concentrate our efforts in moulding them,” said Firat.
The tactician was appointed to replace Kenyan Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee who has since taken up the role of technical director at Kenya Police in the Kenyan Premier League.