Gor Mahia coach Charles Akonnor has urged the club’s supporters to exercise patience and avoid letting emotions cloud their judgement of the team’s performances as the Football Kenya Premier League champions prepare to face Kakamega Homeboyz today at Bukhunge Stadium.
The Ghanaian tactician has come under pressure from sections of the club’s fans over his team selection and tactical decisions, despite Gor maintaining a 100 per cent record thus far in the new season.
Gor began their title defence with a 4-2 victory over Murang’a Seal at Nyayo National Stadium before edging Administration Police Service Bomet 1-0 at Raila Odinga Stadium and Bandari with the same scoreline last weekend.
Their opening victories have raised expectations among supporters, but the win over Murang’a Seal also sparked debate after goalkeeper Kevin Omondi conceded two goals scored by Josphat Lopaga.
Some fans questioned Akonnor’s decision not to start newly signed former AFC Leopards goalkeeper Humphrey Katasi.
Gor Mahia Football Club Head coach Charles Akonnor from Ghana, answers in interview on 5th November 2025 at Artcaffe, Yaya Centre.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation
The coach also faced criticism for leaving Ebenezer Assifuah and David Okoth on the bench against APS Bomet, despite their impressive performances in their opening match. Instead, he started Ugandan forward Dennis Omedi before introducing Hansel Ochieng.
However, Akonnor said he remains responsible for determining the team’s starting line-up.
“Fans’ pressure here is just too much, but I have got used to it because, to them, there is no language like losing a match,” Akonnor told Nation Sport .
The former Ghana international acknowledged that supporters have every right to question the team’s performances but maintained that some had gone too far in criticising his selection decisions.
He said competition for places remains open, with every player expected to demonstrate their worth during training and when given an opportunity on the pitch.
“We have picked up very well by winning the first two matches, and what is important is building on this performance to do even better,” he said.
“Every player in the squad has a chance, and it is up to them to prove that they deserve to start matches. To me, there is nothing like players who must start matches. You have to prove you are good during training sessions and when given a chance on the pitch.”
Akonnor will be hoping his charges maintain their winning ways when they take on Kakamega Homeboyz, who beat league newcomers Mombasa United in their opening match before drawing 1-1 with Ulinzi Stars.
Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor follows proceedings during the FKF Premier League match against Kariobangi Sharks at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on January 6, 2026.
Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group
Homeboyz, popularly known as Abana ba Ingo, have struggled against Gor in recent meetings, failing to beat K’Ogalo in their last seven encounters. Their last victory over the record Kenyan champions was a 3-2 result on June 21, 2023.
AFC Leopards will face Mara Sugar at William Ole Ntimama Stadium in Narok. Ingwe will be seeking their second victory of the campaign after registering one win and two draws. Mara Sugar collected the same number of points.
AFC Leopards have won three of their four previous meetings with Mara Sugar, with the other ending in a draw.
Elsewhere, league newcomers 3K, buoyed by their 2-1 victory over Murang’a Seal in the Murima derby, will face winless APS Bomet, who are on their second stint in the Premiership.
Murang’a Seal striker Josephat Lopaga, who has scored a league high four goals, will be looking to extend his tally when his side hosts Nairobi United at SportPesa Arena.
