Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has been named the 2025/26 SportPesa League Coach of the Season following a remarkable debut campaign that saw him guide K’Ogalo to a record-extending 22nd league title.
The former Ghana national team coach received the prestigious accolade during the SportPesa League Gala Night held at the Glee Hotel on Thursday, June 4, beating fellow nominees Sammy “Pamzo” Omollo of APS Bomet and AFC Leopards tactician Fred Ambani.
Akonnor’s triumph comes after a successful first season at the helm of Kenya’s most decorated football club. Despite facing early challenges, including an opening-day defeat to Bidco United, the experienced tactician transformed Gor Mahia into the dominant force in Kenyan football, reclaiming the league crown and restoring K’Ogalo to the summit of the SportPesa League.
Under Akonnor’s stewardship, Gor Mahia displayed consistency and resilience throughout the campaign, suffering only four league defeats while maintaining an impressive 61 percent win rate.
Speaking after receiving the award, Akonnor expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the club’s success.
“The moments and time are in the hands of the Creator, and on a night like this, we have to remember how good He has been to us. I thank God for this because when we came here, not much was expected of us,” said Akonnor.
“I also thank the management for their support; they were understanding, especially when we faced challenges. I have a solid technical team led by my assistant, Kobi Mensah, and our supporters have been tremendous. Most importantly, the players have been outstanding throughout the season.”
The award caps off an outstanding season for the Ghanaian tactician, whose influence was evident across every department of the team.
Offensively, Gor Mahia finished among the league’s most potent sides, scoring 50 goals. Mid-season signing Ebenezer Assifuah emerged as one of the club’s leading scorers with seven goals, matching the tally of the injured Felix Oluoch. Shariff Musa and Ebenezer Adkwah also made significant contributions with six goals each.
Defensively, K’Ogalo remained one of the toughest teams to break down. The backline, marshalled by Sylvester Owino, Bryton Onyona, Frank Odhiambo and Mike Kibwage, conceded just 21 goals throughout the campaign. Goalkeepers Byrne Omondi and Gad Mathews further strengthened the side by combining for 16 clean sheets.
Akonnor’s excellence throughout the season was also recognized in the monthly awards. He became one of only four coaches to win the SportPesa Coach of the Month award, claiming the inaugural edition in October 2025 before securing a second monthly honour in January 2026.
The Coach of the Season award serves as fitting recognition for a manager who has quickly won over the Gor Mahia faithful and delivered immediate success in his first year in charge.
With the league title secured and CAF Champions League football on the horizon, Akonnor will now shift his focus toward leading Gor Mahia onto the continental stage as the club seeks to build on its domestic dominance.
