Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee, the former Harambee Stars coach, has strongly criticized the current state of the national football team under the leadership of Turkish coach Engin Firat, following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Mulee, who led Kenya through some of its more successful football campaigns, has questioned the tactical direction and overall strategy of the team under Firat’s stewardship.
Mulee pointed out that despite Firat having enough time to make his mark on the team, there have been minimal improvements in performance and results. He emphasized that the Harambee Stars are not playing to their full potential, a situation he believes is largely due to the coach’s inability to implement a clear and effective tactical plan. This lack of progress is seen as a reflection of the coach’s shortcomings, especially given that Firat had ample opportunity to understand and adjust to the dynamics of Kenyan football.
The former coach was particularly critical of Firat’s failure to establish a distinctive playing style for the team. According to Mulee, the current Harambee Stars are lacking a clear tactical identity, with no real structure to guide their play. This contrasts sharply with the approach that Mulee himself adopted during his tenure. He noted that, under his guidance, the team had a well-defined defensive strategy, balanced by quick, direct counter-attacks to exploit attacking opportunities. However, Mulee feels that Firat has struggled to understand the strengths of his players, leading to inconsistent and erratic performances on the pitch.
A key point of contention for Mulee is Firat’s lack of flexibility in his tactical approach. He suggested that the coach has shown a reluctance to adjust formations and strategies, even when the team is not performing at its expected level. For Mulee, the hallmark of a successful coach is the ability to adapt tactics to suit the circumstances and players at hand. Instead of sticking rigidly to a system, Mulee believes that Firat should have been more willing to make changes, introduce fresh ideas, and encourage a positive mindset among the players. In Mulee’s view, a coach must be able to motivate the players, especially when the team faces adversity, which is something he feels has been lacking under Firat.
Mulee also stressed the importance of understanding the local football context and tailoring tactics to the unique challenges of Kenyan and African football. He pointed out that Kenyan football is different from the styles seen in Europe or Asia, requiring a coach who is not only tactically astute but also aware of the conditions in which Kenyan players thrive. According to Mulee, a deep understanding of local football dynamics is crucial for success, and it is something that Firat, with his European background, seems to have struggled to grasp. Mulee’s success with the national team was built on his ability to connect with local players, understand their strengths, and utilize them effectively within a tactical framework that suited the Kenyan style of play.
The criticism of Firat is not limited to his tactical approach but also extends to his relationship with the players. Mulee emphasized the need for a coach to build strong relationships with players, creating an environment in which they feel supported and motivated. Unfortunately, Firat’s approach has been characterized as rigid and lacking the kind of player-centered motivation that can drive performance. This disconnect between the coach and his players has been reflected in the team’s poor results and inability to perform consistently.
The failure of the Harambee Stars to qualify for the 2025 AFCON has raised serious questions about Firat’s future as the national team coach. Stakeholders within Kenyan football are now looking for answers, and Firat’s position remains uncertain. The decision on his future will likely be made once a new administration takes charge following the upcoming Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections.
Mulee’s remarks underscore the frustration that many Kenyan football fans and stakeholders are feeling, as they witness the team’s continued struggles on the international stage. With the next AFCON qualification cycle fast approaching, the pressure will be on both Firat and the FKF to make decisive changes that can lead to a brighter future for the Harambee Stars. However, for now, the lack of direction and consistent performance remains a significant obstacle to Kenya’s footballing aspirations.
