Harambee Stars midfielder reveals Engin Firat's message after reunion at Lebanese club
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 10.02.26. | 19:17
The 33-year-old also revealed that he learnt of Firat joining the team from fellow Kenyan Masoud Juma
Kenyan midfielder Anthony Akumu has expressed his delight at reuniting with former Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat at Lebanese Premier League side Nejmeh SC.
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The former Gor Mahia midfielder revealed that Firat has already challenged him to be an inspiration to the team and the younger players, as he understands his potential.
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“It was a good surprise to be reunited with him once again. He is a great coach who truly inspired me while at Harambee Stars.
The first time we met, he challenged me to continue giving my best for the sake of the team and other young players,” he revealed.
Akumu believes that Firat will not only change the fortunes of the Lebanese club but also football in general in the country.
“We have a lot to learn and grow as a club, but also the state of football in this country will be positively impacted by Firat, who is highly experienced and has so much to offer here,” added Akumu.
The 33-year-old also revealed that he learnt of Firat joining the team from fellow Kenyan Masoud Juma.
“I was minding my own business last Saturday and then received a call from Juma that Firat is joining us. My first reaction was surprise and disbelief, but overall, it is great to have him here.
We had a great relationship at Harambee Stars and remain confident we will continue the same way.”
Apart from Akumu and Juma, Firat will also be reunited with former Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo, who joined the club last month.
Firat resigned as head coach of Harambee Stars at the end of 2024 after being in charge for close to three years.
He resigned following the election of Hussein Mohammed as Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president.
While in Kenya, he was incharge of 24 matches out of which he won seven, drew eight and lost nine.
Most of the matches were played outside Kenya as the country did not have a FIFA/CAF-certified stadium.