Gor Mahia appoint Ghanaian Charles Akonnor as new head coach

• Charles Akonnor has been appointed as the new head coach of Gor Mahia.
• He was unveiled on Friday, August 1, 2025, by Gor Mahia Chairman Ambrose Rachier.
• Akonnor is joined by his Ghanaian staff, including assistant coach Kobi-Mensah Bismark and goalkeeping coach Ben Owu.

Record Kenya Premier League champions Gor Mahia have officially appointed former Ghana national team head coach Charles Akonnor as their new manager.

Akonnor was unveiled on Friday, August 1, 2025 as the club continues to strengthen its squad and technical department in preparation for the 2025/26 top-flight campaign.

His contract takes effect immediately, spanning a reported two years.

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Gor Mahia unveil new coach for 25/26 season

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Charles Akonnor from Ghana as our new Head Coach on a two-year contract effective today.

The former Ghana Black Stars manager brings a wealth of experience, both as a top-level player and a seasoned tactician, making him the ideal leader to guide us into a new era of success.

Welcome Mahia, Coach Akonnor,” read a statement on Gor Mahia’s official social media platforms.

The Ghanaian international takes charge at K’Ogalo following a major overhaul of the technical bench after a lackluster 2024/25 season.

The club parted ways with interim coach Zedekiah Otieno and his entire backroom staff after a trophyless campaign that failed to meet the club’s high standards.

Akonnor becomes the third head coach for Gor Mahia within just over a year since the departure of Irishman Johnathan McKinstry who resigned to take up a new role as The Gambia’s national team head coach after the end of the 2023/2024 season.

The club first parted ways with Brazilian Leonard Neiva before appointing Croatian Sinisa Mihic, who left just before the end of the previous season.

ALSO READ: Gor Mahia part ways with Sinisa Mihic after just 14 weeks in charge

This instability contributed to Gor Mahia’s inability to defend their league title as well as losing the FKF Cup to Nairobi United.

Now, the 51-year-old, who boasts an impressive football resume, is tasked with revitalizing the club.

His playing career included a successful five-year spell in the Bundesliga with VfL Wolfsburg where he made 121 appearances between 1998 and 2003.

ALSO READ: Gor Mahia in chaos as Mihic ousts deputies over alleged blackmail and sabotage

In addition to his playing credentials, Akonnor’s coaching career features stints at clubs like Asante Kotoko.

He is expected to steer the team back to its former glory, reclaim the top-flight championship, and restore the club to its historical stature.

Charles Akonnor arrives with his backroom staff from Ghana

Meanwhile, Gor Mahia also confirmed the appointment of Ghanaian Kobi-Mensah Bismark as the new assistant coach.

Bismark brings considerable experience having managed clubs such as Great Olympics and Karela United.

Fellow Ghanaian Ben Owu has joined the club as the goalkeeper coach while Brian Odongo from Nairobi City Stars has been appointed as the new team doctor.