Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor/@OFFICIALGMFC
Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has vowed to lead the Kenyan Premier League giants to silverware this season while emphasising entertaining football for the Green Army.
In an exclusive interview, Akonnor highlighted his plans for team cohesion and tactical discipline.
Akonnor, who joined the record Kenyan champions last season, stressed the importance of combining results with attractive football.
“I understand that Gor Mahia fans want to win. That’s the club’s tradition and we understand that. We also want to win,” he said.
The Ghanaian tactician insists that the team must strike a balance between victory and style.
“We need to play a kind of football that entertains fans as opposed to just looking for points,” he added. Fans connect better when the team exhibits creativity, fluidity, and a sense of identity on the pitch.
A central theme in Akonnor’s approach is cohesion and shared understanding.
“We need to come to a time when we understand each other very well. We must all agree on the process of how we want to get the team to win. Sometimes, you win in an ugly way because of the style of the opponent and other factors,” he noted.
While winning is the ultimate goal, he said, the method matters too.
“What is important is to get the necessary win. We want to win in a convincing way whereby we play well and do all the necessary things in a game,” Akonnor explained.
The coach compared Kenyan football culture to his experiences in Ghana, emphasising that mutual respect and professionalism are universal.
“We are brothers and so Kenya’s way of doing things is not too different from the way we do things in Ghana,” he said.
Akonnor singled out Gor Mahia midfielder Austin Odhiambo for praise, citing his outstanding performance with Harambee Stars at CHAN 2024.
“I saw the goal he scored for Harambee Stars and it was exceptional individual brilliance,” he said. Odhiambo’s display, according to Akonnor, is a clear signal of the talent present in the Gor Mahia squad.
“Having players who can perform on club and international stages gives us confidence that Gor Mahia can dominate the KPL while contributing to national team success,” he added.
The coach highlighted the importance of long-term development for both players and the club. Gor Mahia’s strategy will emphasise youth integration, tactical flexibility, and fostering a winning mentality.
“Fans are not just watching to see goals; they want to see football that inspires, excites, and makes them proud. That is the philosophy we are bringing to Gor Mahia,” Akonnor explained.
By delivering thrilling performances, Gor Mahia aims to maintain its dominance in Kenyan football and retain high attendance at matches.
Akonnor believes he has squad depth, technical skills, and experience to compete for the KPL title.
“Winning is part of the club’s DNA, but winning while playing attractive football is our new target,” he said.
Akonnor’s tenure at Gor Mahia is shaping up to be a transformative period for the club.
As the season unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see whether Akonnor’s vision translates into trophies, thrilling matches, and a legacy of excellence.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!