Kenyan Premier League giants Gor Mahia have officially named Charles Kwablan Akonnor, the former head coach of Ghana’s national team, as their new manager.
The club broke the news on Friday, confirming that Akonnor will take charge of the team and will be assisted by his compatriot, Bismark Kobi-Mensah.
Akonnor arrives at the club with an impressive résumé, having managed Ghana’s Black Stars and a number of top-tier Ghanaian clubs.
Known for his tactical acumen and leadership, the former international brings both experience and pedigree to the Gor Mahia dugout.
“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,” reads the statement.
Joining Akonnor in Nairobi is Bismark Kobi-Mensah, who will serve as the Assistant Head Coach. Mensah has built his coaching career in the Ghana Premier League with stints at Great Olympics and Karela United.
The reshuffle doesn’t end there. Gor Mahia have also tapped former Ghana U20 goalkeeper coach Ben Owu to oversee the team’s goalkeeping department.
Owu, widely respected for his work with young players, is expected to bring elite training and insights to enhance the club’s shot-stopping standards.
Another addition to the backroom staff is Brian Odongo, who comes in as the Team Doctor. A qualified sports medicine expert, Odongo’s appointment highlights the club’s renewed emphasis on athlete health and injury management heading into the new campaign.
Akonnor’s roots in football trace back to Ghanaian youth side Young Hearts before he broke through in Germany with Bundesliga outfit VfL Wolfsburg.
He not only became a regular starter but also captained the side during the 2001–02 season, racking up over 140 appearances and scoring more than 20 goals.
On the international stage, Akonnor was a key figure for the Ghana national team. He earned 51 caps, netted 13 goals, and wore the captain’s armband between 1998 and 2001.
He also featured in four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and represented Ghana at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, where the team reached the quarterfinals.
His transition into coaching has been just as eventful. Akonnor has managed clubs like Hearts of Oak, Ashanti Gold, Dreams FC, and famously led Asante Kotoko to win the 2019 GFA Normalization Committee Special Competition. His work earned him the national team job in 2020, a position he held until late 2021.