Mwendwa explains two months contract issued to new Harambee Stars coach

The appointment of new Harambee Stars head coach Engin Fırat on a two months contract raised eyebrows from a number of Kenyans with Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa and the coach explaining the decision. 

Firat was tasked with taking over the reins from Jacob Ghost Mulee who parted ways with Harambee Stars by mutual consent after a tepid start to the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Speaking during Firat’s unveiling at a Nairobi hotel, Mwendwa revealed that the coach was appointed in line with the federation’s project and gave room for lengthening the union. 

“It’s not about the number of coaches we appoint it’s about the project that we have and how does the coach fit into our project. Last year November we brought in a new coach and started to rebuild the team, now we have a team and bench,”

“Someone who is being taunted by Turkey, it’s only a dream to have him, we have to be very good form him to see we can do something for another two years, it gives every party a chance and a short target to be precise,” 

“After November we will be first in this group then we discuss other things, I will not talk about if we are not because we do not intend not to be top of this group,” said Mwendwa.

The 51-year-old German Turkish tactician had a disastrous spell at the helm of Moldova which was his last job as he failed to win a single game in 11 attempts.

Firat on his part however noted that he needed time to familiarise himself with the job to see if he could extend his contract beyond the World Cup qualifiers. 

“I chose this job because I love this job and I would never do something that I do not believe in. I said to him (Mwendwa) from my side it is better to have two months because when we work together for two months I see if everybody is how I want,”

“It is easy to sign a contract for three years but if I do not see any future then I will not stay, for me, it will never change, the sport is the most import. I see a chance to qualify for World Cup, I have to see what is good for the future,” said Firat.