Charles Akonnor’s tenure as Gor Mahia coach got off to a rocky start. After being handed a two-year contract on August 1, last year the club’s passionate fan base – known as the Green Army – cautioned the former Ghana international and Black Stars coach: “Here, we do not lose to AFC Leopards.”
AFC Leopards are Gor Mahia’s bitter rivals, and Akonnor – who was born on March 12, 1974, exactly 10 years after the club was founded – had just received the customary welcome. Later, when results did not go Gor Mahia’s way, he became familiar with the club's way of dealing with unwanted people.
“Gor Mahia fans do not like losing. When we lose, they tell me to go back to Ghana,” Akonnor said on Monday night on SportOn! – NTV’s Monday night sports show, as he reflected on his first season at the club.
Akonnor, who had wanted to become a fashion designer before pursuing a career in coaching, could afford a smile as he reflected on securing the club's 22nd league title, which returned them to the pinnacle of Kenyan football.
Gor Mahia started and ended the season with 1–0 losses to Bidco United and Nairobi United, respectively, both of whom suffered relegation. However, they had already done enough in between to seal the league title. They won the league with two matches to spare, eventually finishing with 69 points — five more than second-placed AFC Leopards.
“It was not an easy journey,” said Akonnor. “AFC Leopards gave us good competition. That made us think more deeply in many situations. The players coped well with every challenge that came their way. The management gave us good support.”
Akonnor hinted at his inability to find the words to describe the club’s passionate fans. “They are positively crazy,” he said.
After that, Akonnor — along with his all-Ghanaian technical team, comprising assistant coach Bismark Kobi Mensah, goalkeeping coach Ben Owu and video analyst Joshua Kofi Boafo — steered the club to the top of the league, collecting 19 points in the seven matches that followed.
However, complacency then set in, and the team crumbled under pressure. Gor Mahia lost 4-1 to APS Bomet, and then 1-0 to AFC Leopards.
Christopher Ochieng' (left) of Gor Mahia tussles for the ball with Lawrence Kibet of APS Bomet in an FKF Premier League match at Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi on November 25, 2025.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Akonnor admitted to having underestimated APS Bomet, who were in danger of being relegated. "They were more determined and were the better team," he said.
"My time in Kenyan football has taught me that every match is a battle for Gor Mahia, and we have always prepared our players mentally for that. Teams put in more effort when they play against Gor Mahia than they do against other teams. I have seen teams that troubled us underperform in other matches,” Akonnor later said.
After losing the Mashemeji derby in December, Akonnor said they did not sleep in the week leading up to the return fixture in April. "We studied every aspect of AFC Leopards’ play," he said, describing how they had masterminded a 1–0 win that put them six points clear at the top of the table and firmly in control of the title race.
Yet the season had more defining moments for Akonnor. He described the 3-2 comeback win over Murang'a Seals at Kasarani in January as a significant turning point in the club's season.
"We were 2-0 down at half-time, but went on to win 3-2. Many people told us that this had possibly never happened before, or if it had, it was probably a long time ago,” said Akonnor.
That win marked the first time during the season Gor Mahia had won a match after conceding the first goal. After that match, Gor Mahia went on to collect 25 points in nine matches, opening up a seven-point lead at the top of the table.
"Coaching African players requires a different skill set. You have to get to know them and understand their lives outside of football because that influences how they play. Once you figure that out, you can get the player to perform,” said Akonnor, who won the Manager of the Month award twice during the season.
His management skills were crucial in helping Bryton Onyona, the Gor Mahia left back who had initially failed to impress Akonnor, to make a breakthrough.
“After that, Onyona told me he would do better if he was given another chance, and he did just that. He transformed from an average player into a household name,” said Akonnor.
Other players whose performances Akonnor praised are centre-back Frank Odhiambo, right-back Paul Ochuoga and winger Shariff Musa. “Musa has worked really hard. He is now a national team player,” said Akonnor.
However, Akonnor also said that the club needs to sign better players if they are to challenge for glory in the CAF Champions League next season. 'We need more creativity and firepower in attack,' he said, before adding that the club will look for reinforcements locally, but did not rule out signing players from foreign leagues.
Akonnor, who was linked with the vacant Ghana job in March following Otto Addo's sacking as Black Stars coach, has also committed his future to the club. “We have started something that is absolutely necessary to finish. The club wants to repeat this season's success. It would not make sense to leave, but rumours of my being linked with a move away will always circulate,” he said.
