Kenyan Premier League giants, Gor Mahia have announced the appointment of Ghanaian tactician, Charles Kwabla Akonnor as their new head coach.
The former Ghana national team boss has signed a two-year contract with the club and is expected to lead a technical team comprising fellow Ghanaians, including an assistant coach Bismark Kobi-Mensah and a goalkeeper trainer Ben Owu.
The 51-year-old’s arrival signals Gor Mahia’s ambition to re-establish their dominance in domestic football and make a stronger impact on the continental stage.
Akonnor enjoyed a successful playing career in Germany, where he featured for clubs such as Fortuna Köln and VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching and went on to manage several top clubs in the Ghana Premier League.
His coaching journey includes stints at Sekondi Wise Fighters, Hearts of Oak, Dreams FC, Ashanti Gold, and Asante Kotoko, with whom he won a national competition and guided into the CAF Champions League qualifiers.
On the international stage, Akonnor served as assistant coach of the Ghana Black Stars before being appointed head coach in 2020. During his time in charge, he led the team through the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and part of the World Cup qualifying campaign. He was noted for giving opportunities to home-based players and managing the team through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ghanaian trainer’s experience, tactical discipline, and calm leadership style are expected to breathe new life into the Gor Mahia squad. With a refreshed technical bench and a renewed vision, the club aims to bounce back from a difficult season and reclaim its position at the top of Kenyan football under Akonnor’s guidance.