Discontent with Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat is intensifying, with a prominent Gor Mahia official joining the chorus calling for his dismissal.
Sam Ocholla, Gor Mahia’s Secretary General and a candidate for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidency, believes Firat lacks the ability to propel the national team forward.
He downplayed Firat’s recent results, including a win over Namibia and a draw against Zimbabwe in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, as mere “lucky results.”
Ocholla questions Firat’s qualifications, suggesting that Gor Mahia’s current coach, Leonardo Martins Neiva, boasts stronger credentials.
He claims that when Gor Mahia sought a head coach, they received applications from around 15 highly qualified international coaches, putting Firat’s experience to shame.
Beyond qualifications, Ocholla criticizes Firat’s player selection, hinting at possible external influences within the FKF.
He alleges that Firat might be under outside pressure regarding player selection, hindering team performance and morale.
Ocholla claims this alleged manipulation disadvantages Gor Mahia players, who are frequently called up but rarely given playing time.
“The federation’s hand has subjected our team to an average side,” Ocholla stated. “When they call our players…they don’t give them a chance to play.”
