Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has paid glowing tribute to the club’s supporters, describing them as “positively crazy” and among the most passionate fans he has encountered in football.
Speaking during an interview with NTV after guiding K’Ogalo to the 2025/26 FKF Premier League title, the Ghanaian tactician reflected on the overwhelming support the team received during the championship celebrations.
“Our people are crazy. They are crazy, positively crazy. They are very passionate, very, very passionate,” Akonnor said with a smile.
The coach recounted how fans flooded the streets following Gor Mahia’s title celebrations, turning what should have been a short journey into an unforgettable experience.
“Even yesterday, from the stadium to where we were going, it’s maybe probably a 30-minute journey. It took us over one and a half or two hours to get there because they were celebrating with us. You can see how passionate they are and how happy they are. For me, that is the main thing – they are happy.”
Akonnor, however, admitted that the Green Army’s passion comes with immense expectations, especially when results do not go the club’s way.
“They don’t like losing. And when they lose, they come to you and say, ‘Coach, go to Ghana!'” he joked. “But that’s just by the way. They don’t like losing and that is something difficult for me to take from my fans.”
The former Ghana national team coach acknowledged the pressure that comes with managing Kenya’s most successful club but emphasized that losing is part of football.
“Does it mean I have to win every match? It’s impossible. Even Arsenal and Manchester City sometimes lose.”
Akonnor also revealed one of the biggest lessons he learned during his first season in charge of the record champions: every team raises its game when facing Gor Mahia.
“Any team in this league that Gor Mahia plays against, it is like a war,” he explained. “Sometimes you watch teams play against each other and then when they face Gor Mahia, they look completely different.”
Recognizing that challenge early enough, Akonnor and his technical bench repeatedly reminded players that every match would be a battle.
“We made sure our boys understood that. We said it every single time. They knew that any time they were going to a match, they were not going to have it easy.”
The strategy paid off as Gor Mahia maintained consistency throughout the season to reclaim the league crown and secure a return to continental football.
“Start well, prepare yourself well. We do that and thank God most of the time it worked for us,” Akonnor concluded.
The league-winning coach has quickly become a fan favorite at K’Ogalo, with supporters appreciating both his tactical approach and his understanding of the unique pressure that comes with leading the country’s most decorated football club.
