- Charles Akonnor has been named the 2025/26 SportPesa League Coach of the Season.
- He managed to guide Gor Mahia to reclaim the SportPesa League title for a record 22nd time.
- He beat Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo and Fred Ambani to the award during the return of the SportPesa League Gala Night, held at the Glee Hotel on Thursday, June 4.
Charles Akonnor has been named the 2025/26 SportPesa League Coach of the Season.
The recognition comes after his first season in charge, the former Ghana national team head coach guided Gor Mahia to reclaim the SportPesa League title and extend their record to 22 league crowns.
Akonnor becomes the first manager to win the accolade at the inaugural SportPesa League Gala Night, marking the awards’ return after a hiatus during the 2024/25 season.
Held on Thursday, June 4, at the Glee Hotel, the award saw Akonnor competing against two other outstanding candidates: Sammy ‘Pamzo’ Omollo, who remarkably steered APS Bomet away from relegation, and Fred Ambani, who transformed AFC Leopards into genuine title challengers, leading them to a second-place finish this season.
Akonnor named 2025/26 SportPesa League Coach of the Season
“The moments and time are in the hands of the Creator, and on a night like this, we have to remember how good He has been to us. I thank God for this because when we came here, not much was expected of us.
I also thank the management for their support; they were understanding, especially when we faced challenges.
I have a solid technical team led by my assistant, Kobi Mensah, and our supporters have been tremendous.
Most importantly, the players have been outstanding throughout the season,” Coach Akonnor said during his acceptance speech on Thursday night.
The former Ghana national team captain began his tenure with a defeat to Bidco United before overseeing an impressive run of results. His next setbacks came in consecutive losses to APS Bomet and AFC Leopards, the latter in the first leg of the Mashemeji Derby.
His fourth and final defeat of the campaign arrived during the closing stages of the season when Gor Mahia fell to Tusker FC in Wang’uru.
Despite those setbacks, his side has maintained an impressive 61 per cent win rate.
Under his leadership, Gor Mahia scored 50 league goals last season, with midseason signing Ebenezer Assifuah leading the charge with seven goals- the same tally as the injured Felix Oluoch. Shariff Musa and Ebenezer Adkwah have each added six goals.
At the back, a defensive unit featuring Sylvester Owino, Bryton Onyona, Frank Odhiambo, and Mike Kibwage has been equally impressive.
Gor Mahia conceded just 21 goals, the second-fewest in the league, behind only Kenya Police FC, who have shipped 20. Goalkeepers Byrne Omondi and Gad Mathews have also combined for 16 clean sheets.
Akonnor is among the coaches who have received multiple nominations for the SportPesa Coach of the Month award, introduced in October last year.
One of only four coaches to have won the honour, he has claimed it twice; first in the inaugural edition in October 2025 before earning it again in January 2026.