Former Harambee Stars head coach Engin Fırat died after a sudden heart attack at Istanbul Airport in Turkey. His club, Nejmeh SC, confirmed the news on Monday, 9 March 2026.
Death Confirmed by Club
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In a statement released by the Lebanese club, officials said the Turkish tactician collapsed at the airport shortly after travelling from Beirut. He was reportedly en route to the Turkish city of Adana when the incident occurred.
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"With great sadness, Star Athletic Club mourns first team coach Captain Engin Fırat, who passed away following a sudden heart attack at Istanbul Airport," the club said.
The club also described him as a committed professional who made a positive impression during his time with the team.
At the time of his death, Fırat was serving as the head coach of Nejmeh SC, having joined the club in February 2026. During his short tenure, he worked with several Kenyan players at the club, including Austin Odhiambo, Anthony Akumu and Masoud Juma.
Coaching Career
Fırat was born on June 11, 1970, in Istanbul, Turkey. Over the course of his career, he worked in several countries across Europe, Asia and Africa, holding roles as both head coach and assistant coach in various clubs and national teams.
His coaching journey included positions with clubs and national teams in Turkey, Germany, South Korea, Iran and Moldova before moving to Kenya.
In October 2021, he was appointed head coach of Harambee Stars, initially on a short-term contract that was later extended.
Time With Harambee Stars
During his tenure with Kenya’s national team between 2021 and 2024, Fırat oversaw more than 20 matches, recording a mix of wins, draws and losses.
Key results during that period included a 2–1 victory over Qatar and draws against the Ivory Coast and Russia in international friendlies.
However, the team also experienced heavy defeats in some competitions, including a 5–0 loss to Mali during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and a 4–0 defeat to Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
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Fırat left the national team role in December 2024 after Kenya failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON tournament.
Legacy in Football
Before his move to Lebanon, Fırat had also managed the Moldova national team and worked with several European and Asian clubs in technical and sporting director roles.
His career spanned nearly three decades in professional football, beginning in the late 1990s when he started as an assistant coach in Turkey.
Officials at Nejmeh SC said the club’s management, players and supporters had extended condolences to his family and loved ones following the announcement of his death.
Fırat was 55 years old at the time of his death.
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