Former Harambee Stars head coach to reunite with Kenyan trio at Lebanese giants
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 09.02.26. | 08:43
Nejmeh SC are currently third in the Lebanese Premier League with 28 points, seven behind league leaders Al Ansar
Former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has been appointed head coach of Lebanese club Nejmeh SC.
Firat will oversee three Kenyan players at the club, Austin Odhiambo, Anthony Akumu, and Masoud Juma, all of whom he previously coached during his tenure with Harambee Stars.
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Firat managed Harambee Stars from 2021 to 2024 and departed shortly after Hussein Mohammed was elected as Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President.
Following his exit, he filed a claim with FIFA seeking approximately Ksh 80 million in unpaid dues after the two parties were unable to reach an agreement.
Nejmeh SC confirmed Firat’s appointment in a statement on the club’s official social media channels.
"German-Turkish football coach Engin Firat, who previously managed the Kenya, Moldova, and Iran national teams, has been appointed as the new manager of Nejmeh SC. Firat brings extensive international experience, having worked across Europe, Asia, and Africa during his coaching career. We warmly welcome Coach Engin Firat. Welcome home, Coach Engin Firat," read the statement.
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Firat returns to club management after more than a decade.
His last club role was with Saipa FC in Iran in 2014. He later served as a technical director before taking up national team coaching positions in Moldova and Kenya.
He will be assisted at Nejmeh by club legend Abbas Atwi.
Firat replaces Tunisian coach Radyi Al-Jaidi, who resigned for family reasons.
The club expressed gratitude for Al-Jaidi’s service, stating:
"After he stepped down from his duties with us for family reasons, Al-Najma Athletic Club would like to express our sincere gratitude to Technical Manager Captain Radyi Al-Jaidi for his dedication and commitment during his time with the team. His exceptional effort, professionalism, and responsible approach to work were evident every day. We wish him and his family all the very best and continued success in his coaching career.
Our respect and appreciation will always remain. May the star and the lighthouse continue to guide your home. Thank you, Captain Radyi," said the club.
Nejmeh SC are currently third in the Lebanese Premier League with 28 points, seven behind league leaders Al Ansar.
