Charles Akonnor continues to dominate Kenyan football, becoming the first coach to win the award twice in the SportPesa League 2025/26 season. Winning once can be luck, winning twice is a pattern, Coach Akonnor just crossed the line from mere achievement to mastery, and the league is watching.
The Gor Mahia head coach guided his team to a masterclass performance by maintaining an unbeaten run in the month of January, which helped them secure the top spot on the SportPesa League table. His January performance not only exceeded initial expectations but also set the bar even higher for the competition. Akonnor’s leadership and tactical precision drive the team’s competitive identity and winning results.
A brilliant January start
During January, Akonnor’s Gor Mahia delivered key memorable victories. The team recorded a 4-1 win over Kariobangi Sharks, a 0-0 draw against Shabana FC, an epic 3-2 comeback against Murang’a SEAL after going two goals down, and a 3-0 victory over Mara Sugar. A 2-1 win against Bidco United and capped the month with a 3-0 win over Sofapaka.
Akonnor won the SportPesa League Coach of the Month award over three rivals; AFC Leopards boss Fred Ambani, Bandari FC coach Bernard Mwalala and Murang’a SEAL head coach Osborne Monday, who all earned their nomination through exceptional performances in January.
Also Read: SportPesa League’s December Award Winner Waithira Shrugs off Gor Mahia Defeat
Gor Mahia’s tactical attacking and defensive discipline overpowered their opponents and enabled such a performance.
To win the Award twice, inside Akonnor’s gameplay
Having already been crowned before, this second win proves Akonnor’s ability to bring the best out of his team and signals to Gor supporters that he is setting the standard to win the SportPesa League trophy. The numbers reveal a pattern: Akonnor wins through consistency. In October, he maintained an unbeaten streak and clean sheets in all the matches. In January, he repeated the formula with another perfect unbeaten streak, which earned him the award again.
Akonnor’s take after receiving the award and what it means for the League
The award, which recognizes outstanding tactical masterclass and team performance, comes with a customized SportPesa League Coach of the Month trophy and a cash prize of KSh 75,000 from leading gaming firm SportPesa Kenya. SportPesa recognized Akonnor’s dominant coaching performance, crowning him for the second time. The coach praised the sponsorship, “SportPesa has made the league more attractive and competitive.” He sees significant improvement in the Kenyan football league, driven by healthy competition.
Also Read: AFC Leopards Coach Fred Ambani Crowned December 2025 SportPesa League Coach of the Month
Akonnor plans to use January’s momentum to drive his team to even higher performance levels. He noted that the league is now highly competitive, making it impossible to predict the will win. But for him, he is determined to win the league title, backed by strong support and a committed fanbase.
Conclusion
SportPesa Kenya league introduced the Coach and Player of the Month awards in October 2025. The awards spotlight individual excellence, raising competitive standards across the league. The recognition program drives competition and elevates the quality of Kenyan football. Charles Akonnor has set a standard no rival has matched. Other coaches are studying his tactics, searching for weaknesses. The race for the next award is open; this time, every team is aiming for improvement.
