CK Akonnor: Former Black Stars Coach Joins Kenyan Premier League Side Gor Mahia
- Charles Kwabla Akonnor has outlined his vision for Gor Mahia following his appointment as head coach of the Kenyan football giants on a two-year deal
- Speaking at his official unveiling, the ex-Black Stars boss emphasized the importance of building unity and strong chemistry within the squad
- He will be supported by Bismark Kobby Mensah as assistant coach and Ben Owu as the goalkeepers’ trainer
Former Asante Kotoko head coach Charles Kwablan Akonnor has signed a deal with Kenyan Premier League side Gor Mahia.
Akonnor joins the Kenyan side on a two-year deal until June 2027 after deciding to get back to the sidelines.
Source: Twitter
The former Black Stars head coach will be assisted by former Bechem United boss Bismark Kobi Mensah at his new club.
The 52-year-old will also have country man Ben Owu in his technical team serving as the goalkeeper's trainer.
"We are delighted to announce the appointment of Charles Akonnor from Ghana as our new Head Coach. The former Black Stars manager brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned tactician. Welcome to Mahia, Coach Akonnor," the club wrote on social media.
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Why Akonnor chose Gor Mahia
Akonnor will be looking to bring his experience to the table having managed Kotoko to the CAF Champions League.
Speaking exclusively to YEN.com.gh, the former Ghana coach revealed he turned down several coaching offers from clubs in Ghana and other African countries before settling on a return to Gor Mahia.
“I had quite a few offers on the table, some from top clubs in Ghana and others across the continent,” McKinstry said. “But Gor Mahia presented a clear vision and ambition that really excited me. It felt like the right challenge at the right time.”
He added that fans can expect an exciting brand of football under his leadership.
“We’ll be playing a dominant, possession-based attacking game,” he explained. “It’s a style I believe in and one that suits the talent we have. The goal is to entertain, win, and build something lasting.”
Meanwhile, during his official unveiling, the experienced Ghanaian tactician emphasized his immediate priority fostering strong team unity and chemistry.
“As for me, first of all, it is the chemistry of the players, strengthening the chemistry within the players,” he said.
“They need to have that understanding, that love, that passion, that they will play together no matter what it is.”
Akonnor, who previously managed Ghanaian clubs Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko, also underscored the importance of tactical adaptability, noting the unpredictable nature of African football environments.
“Every game will not be the same, so we need to understand tactical awareness of what we want to do,” he added. “This is Africa, and sometimes you go to a place where the field doesn’t favour you, so you need to adjust your style of play.”
He also highlighted physical conditioning as a cornerstone of his philosophy.
“Their fitness will be very important,” he said. “They need to be fit to demonstrate what we’ve been doing in the past weeks and months on the field.”
With a clear focus on team cohesion, tactical intelligence, and fitness, Akonnor is aiming to lead Gor Mahia to greater heights as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Akonnor will be deputised by Bismark Kobby Mensah with Ben Owu serving as the goalkeepers' trainer.
Source: AFP
