German Turkish Engin First was soon unveiled as the new head coach of Harambee Stars taking over from Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee who departed by mutual consent. Firat was announced to be in charge of the squad over a 2-month period as per contract basis. FKF boss Nick Mwendwa also disclosed that Firat will be in charge of the national team for the next four 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification matches.
"We were looking for someone who fits the project that we have. We are in between a campaign already and we wanted someone who can look at the task and be prepared for it. We were not looking for someone who would be here for three or four years but we wanted someone who can help us for these qualifiers," said FKF boss Nick Mwendwa.
What is surprising enough is that in Moldova, Firat presided over 11 matches, crashing in nine and sharing spoils in the rest. Even more telling is the fact that Moldova are placed 175 in the latest Fifa rankings where Kenya are 102nd. On his Part, Mwendwa said FKF had picked the right man to occupy the hot seat which has already claimed a record six tacticians in a span of five years.
Nonetheless, Firat, 51, rides into the scene with a wealth of experience to draw on, having previously guided 18 teams, including Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt and Turkish giants Fenerbahce. His colourful career took off in 1997 at German side, Horst Hrubesch Samsunspor, where he served as an assistant coach. "I'm very excited, very motivated. I know that people expect a lot from me. I'm ready for this challenge. At the expiry of the two months, we shall see what the future holds and I can decide from there," said Firat.