Ghana captain and Black Stars coach Charles “CK” Akonnor has been named the Kenyan Premier League Coach of the Season following a highly successful debut campaign with Gor Mahia.
The recognition comes after Akonnor guided the Kenyan giants, popularly known as K’Ogalo, to their record-extending 22nd league title in the 2025/2026 season.
Akonnor took over the club in August 2025 following a disappointing campaign in which Gor Mahia failed to secure any major silverware. Despite high expectations, his arrival marked a swift turnaround in fortunes for the club.
The title race was effectively decided on May 24, 2026, when closest challengers AFC Leopards dropped crucial points against APS Bomet, mathematically confirming Gor Mahia as champions with two games still remaining.
Under his leadership, Gor Mahia finished the season with 68 points, built on a blend of tactical discipline, defensive organisation, and effective counter-attacking play.
Although his tenure began with a defeat in the opening match of the season, Akonnor quickly adapted, leading the team to four consecutive wins and sustaining consistent form throughout the campaign.
A notable feature of his success was the strong Ghanaian influence within the technical setup and playing squad, which contributed to a cohesive team structure and winning mentality that restored Gor Mahia’s dominance in Kenyan football.
Akonnor’s impact was widely recognised as he edged out AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani and APS Bomet’s Sammy Omollo to claim the Coach of the Season award.
The achievement further strengthens his reputation as one of Africa’s emerging top football tacticians and adds to his growing legacy on the continent.
By delivering a league title in his first season, Akonnor has joined a select group of foreign coaches to have lifted the Kenyan Premier League trophy, marking another significant milestone in his managerial career.
Source: 3news.com
