Former Ghana national team coach Charles Akonnor unveiled as new Gor Mahia Head Coach.Football giants and all-time Premier League champions Gor Mahia have unveiled former Ghana national team coach Charles Akonnor as their new Head Coach on a two-year contract.
The appointment marks the beginning of a new era at the club following a disappointing 2024/25 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 to Mahia, Coach Akonnor,” the club said in a statement released Friday.
Akonnor’s arrival comes exactly a month after Gor Mahia dismissed its entire technical bench—including interim head coach Zedekiah ‘Zico’ Otieno and even security personnel—on July 2 in what the club termed a “mutual separation.”
The sweeping changes were triggered by a string of poor performances that culminated in a shock 2-1 defeat to second-tier side Nairobi United in the FKF Cup final on June 30.
The loss ended K’Ogalo’s season without a trophy, sparking fan unrest and a pitch invasion at the final whistle.
Zico had been serving in an interim capacity following the earlier departure of Serbian tactician Sinisa Mihic.
While the outgoing technical team had guided Gor Mahia to the 2023/24 league title, they failed to replicate that success this season, finishing behind new champions Police FC and suffering early exits in continental campaigns.
Club chairman Ambrose Rachier said the changes are part of a long-term strategic vision.
“This decision follows a comprehensive internal review and is part of the club’s broader restructuring process aimed at strengthening its technical and operational capacity.”
Akonnor, who previously managed the Ghana national team and top clubs such as Asante Kotoko and Dreams FC, is expected to bring international experience and tactical depth to Gor Mahia’s pursuit of redemption both domestically and in CAF competitions.
His immediate task will be to stabilise the squad, mend relations with a frustrated fanbase, and restore Gor Mahia’s winning mentality ahead of the 2025/26 season.
