Former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat has died after reportedly suffering a heart attack, Nejmeh SC has confirmed.
Firat, who had joined the Lebanese club on February 9, was working with Kenyan players Austin Odhiambo, Anthony Akumu, and Masoud Juma.
According to Nejmeh SC, the Turkish coach collapsed at Istanbul Airport while returning to Turkey from Beirut.
“To Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return. With great sadness and sorrow, Star Athletic Club mourns first team coach Captain Engin Firat, who passed away following a sudden heart attack at Istanbul Airport while on his way to Adana, a few hours after leaving Beirut for his country,” the club said in a statement.
The club praised Firat’s professionalism and the positive impact he had during his short time in charge.
“During the time he spent with the club, the deceased was known for his professional commitment and high ethics, and he left a good impression among the team and the members of the Nejmeh family,” the statement added.
Firat had first taken over as Harambee Stars head coach in 2021 on a short-term interim contract that was later formalized.
