Former Black Stars coach and captain, Charles Kwablan Akonnor, has been named the new head coach of Kenyan football powerhouse Gor Mahia FC.
The 52-year-old signed a two-year contract with the FKF Premier League champions and will lead the team alongside a Ghanaian-dominated technical staff.
Charles Kwabla Akonnor x Bismark Kobi Mensah 🇬🇭🇰🇪
The 52-year-old has signed a two-year deal to become the Coach of Gor Mahia and will be supported by a Ghanaian technical team.#CitiSports pic.twitter.com/nWvh5Rh2wr
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) August 1, 2025
Akonnor will be assisted by Bismark Kobby-Mensah, with Ben Owu appointed as the goalkeepers’ trainer.
Kenyan 🇰🇪Giants Gor Mahia have appointed Former Black Stars Coach Charles Kwabla Akonnor as Head Coach.
Not just him, he’s got Bismark Kobi Mensah & Ben Owu on his side to work with in the Kenyan League. 🇬🇭🇰🇪 #CitiSports pic.twitter.com/0k16GRkib2
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) August 1, 2025
Gor Mahia announced the appointment on social media, stating:
“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.”
This marks Akonnor’s first coaching job outside Ghana. The former Bundesliga star, who played for Fortuna Köln and Wolfsburg, previously coached several Ghana Premier League sides, including Asante Kotoko, Hearts of Oak, AshantiGold, Dreams FC, and Eleven Wise.
He also sharpened his coaching skills at the Right to Dream Academy.
Gor Mahia are undergoing a rebuilding phase after a challenging campaign and hope Akonnor’s international exposure and tactical experience will guide them to success, particularly in CAF inter-club competitions.
