Africa-Press – Kenya. Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat wants the government to use the 2027 African Cup of Nations as a legacy project in as far as the construction of facilities is concerned.
Firat said renovation and rehabilitation of pitches to international standards will help in growing the game.
Players will train and play on certified surfaces as opposed to the current situation where most Kenyan Premier League, National Super League and Women’s Premier League matches are played on dilapidated pitches.
The Turkish gaffer said there is no shortcut to success, insisting the current investment in the game is not enough.
“Most people complain that we play long balls. How do you execute short passes and make runs on a terrible pitch? asked Firat.
“Kasarani Stadium, Kasarani Annex and Nyayo Stadium are the only conducive facilities for national team training and competition, but where are the Premier League and Women’s Premier League matches played?
He added: “We can’t run football through luck and guesswork. The game has evolved and sports science, diet and infrastructure must be improved.”
Last month, Firat bagged the best 2023 Turkish Coach Abroad title and believes playing high-profile friendlies against Iran, Qatar and Russia was key. But he wants more.
“We drew 2-2 with Russia at the Titanic Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey, on October 10, 2023. Most of my players had a culture shock as we trained in a hotel with 12 standard training grounds. Why can’t we have at least one such complex in every county?
Meanwhile, Firat said it is wrong to compare his tenure with that of the past, saying circumstances are different.
“If the previous regimes were good, how come we have only won two games in all the Cup of Nations tournaments Stars have played in? Let’s not gang up against our team. Instead, let’s support Stars,” he said.
The 53-year-old insisted his technical department is always in control of player selection, devoid of external influence.
Speaking on Radio Jambo over the weekend, Firat said his short-term goal is to put in performances at the World Cup and Cup of Nations qualifiers.
In the long term, he wants to steer Stars to a first-ever second-round Cup of Nations appearance at home in 2027.
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