- Former Black Stars Boss CK Akonnor Crowned Kenyan Premier League Coach of the Season
Former Black Stars head coach Charles “CK” Akonnor has been named the Kenyan Premier League Coach of the Season after leading Gor Mahia to a historic league triumph in his first campaign with the club.
The Ghanaian tactician guided the Kenyan giants to a record-extending 22nd league title, cementing his growing reputation as one of Africa’s top coaches.
Akonnor took charge of Gor Mahia in August 2025 following a disappointing trophyless season, but quickly transformed the side into the dominant force in Kenyan football.
Despite losing their opening league game, Gor Mahia bounced back strongly by winning four consecutive matches before maintaining remarkable consistency throughout the campaign. Akonnor’s team built their success on defensive discipline, tactical flexibility and swift counter-attacking football.
The title race was effectively settled on May 24 when AFC Leopards dropped crucial points against APS Bomet, confirming Gor Mahia as champions with two matches to spare. The Kenyan giants finished the season with 68 points.
Akonnor beat AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani and APS Bomet’s Sammy Omollo to claim the Coach of the Season award.
The awards ceremony also celebrated several standout performers from the 2025/26 Kenyan Premier League season. Murang’a Seal striker Joseph Waithira emerged as one of the headline names after finishing as the league’s top scorer with 19 goals, while Gor Mahia midfielder Enock Morrison and teammate Musa Shariff were recognised among the top performers of the campaign. AFC Leopards defender Kayci Odhiambo and Mara Sugar’s Jimmy Owili also earned nominations for their impressive displays during the season.
In the Young Player of the Season category, Kariobangi Sharks winger Humphrey Aroko, Nairobi United midfielder Kevin Wangaya, Mara Sugar defender Robinson Musungu, Kakamega Homeboyz attacker Oliver Machaka and AFC Leopards youngster Kelly Madada were all honoured after breakthrough seasons.
Akonnor’s achievement is made even more impressive by the strong Ghanaian influence within the Gor Mahia setup. Assisted by fellow Ghanaians Bismark Kobi Mensah, Ben Owu and Joshua Kofi Boafo, the former Ghana captain created a winning culture that restored the club to the summit of Kenyan football.
The former Ghana coach, who previously managed Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, has now joined an exclusive list of foreign African coaches to win Kenya’s top-flight league title.
