Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has revealed a staggering nine-month period without receiving his pay.

This is despite the government’s pledge to resolve the matter made just three months ago.

Addressing journalists on Monday, September 4, 2023, Firat highlighted what he termed as the immense sacrifices he has made for Kenyan football.

“For salaries, I will answer like this. There is nobody in Kenyan football who makes more sacrifices than me. I think that is an answer enough… of course, nothing is paid,” Firat stated.

Government pledges to clear Firat’s salary

Three months prior, the government through the Ministry of Sports, assured the public that they were actively working to address the outstanding salary owed to the Turkish coach.

“We are working closely to play our role, which includes paying the team’s head coach and his assistants so that they can prepare our teams accordingly,” Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba said in June.

Firat confident Kenya will play 2026 World Cup

A week ago, Firat who is currently in his second term as the head coach of Harambee Stars, asserted that Kenya stands a genuine chance of securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup finals, scheduled to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

In an interview with Turkish news outlet Demirören News Agency, Firat emphasized that Kenya’s placement in a balanced group.

This to him, significantly enhances their prospects of participating in the global spectacle for the very first time.

“I am very hopeful about the future. I think we have a high probability of going to the World Cup,” he said.

The 53-year-old tactician is currently in camp with Harambee Stars players as they prepare for friendly matches.

Kenya plays Qatar on September 7, 2023, in Doha before taking on South Sudan in Nairobi on September 12, 2023.