“We Can Only Dream”: Harambee Stars Coach Comments on Kenya’s Football Facilities

 

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat 

The Kenya national football team has played the last few of their home matches in another country because the country's major stadiums are undergoing renovations. Harambee Stars have played their two 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast in Malawi and will play some AFCON qualifiers away. Before Kenya drew 0-0 with Zimbabwe in their 2025 AFCON qualifier, head coach Engin Firat was in awe of the facilities in Uganda.  Engin Firat is aiming to take Harambee Stars to their first AFCON tournament since 2019.

The country is preparing to jointly host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), in February 2025 with Uganda and Tanzania, per The Star. The government closed major stadiums for renovations, forcing the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to move matches to neighbouring countries. Firat's commends Uganda Uganda's Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, Uganda, hosted Harambee Stars' 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe. Before the game, Firat was impressed with the stadium and appeared to take a swipe at Kenya's situation.

 “The conditions in Uganda are very good, the field is very good, we can only dream about them in Kenya. And I see that Uganda is ready to host AFCON," per Clive Kyazze. The Turk later doubled down in his post-game press conference.  “In Kenya, you have a problem, you think you are world champions and you underestimate everybody around you," he said. Firat is looking to take Harambee Stars to their third AFCON tournament since 2000. Next week, they face Namibia, aiming to register their first win in Group J. Mulee on Harambee Stars' AFCON chances TUKO.co.ke earlier reported that Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee discussed Kenya's chances of reaching the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025, which will be hosted by Morocco. The former Harambee Stars coach, who led the team at the 2004 tournament, believes they have good squad players who can help them qualify. 

by  Edwin Kiplagat