Gor Mahia Boss Charles Akonnor Credits Coach of The Month Award Win to Arsenal-Similar Tactical Flexibility

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has credited his SportPesa Coach of The Month Award win to proper tactical flexibility after going unbeaten in each of the last six games in charge of the side as they propelled to top of the league.

The former Ghana Black Stars head coach has overseen his side amass 16 points from their first seven league games, having lost their opening match to Bidco United 1-0 last September.

Since then, the side have won five of the six games, with a draw against Ulinzi the only tine they were denied all three points.

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Speaking to the media after clinching his award, which was presented to him at the Kasarani Annex on Friday morning, Akonnor explained what went wrong against Bidco, which motivated them to reassess their campaign and go again.

Newton Ochieng came from the bench to score the only goal for Bidco in the 88th minute from a penalty kick, as Akonnor began his Kenyan Premier League tenure on a losing note at the helm of the record champions.

“It was hard for us to take (losing the first game to Bidco United). We took it in good faith, went back to the drawing board and now we assess opponents in a different way,” Akonnor said.

Akonnor believes a failed experiment in efforts to try and win that game was a gamble that simply did not pay off. 

Akonnor revealed that the loss was partly due to a tactical experiment he attempted—one inspired by Arsenal’s deployment of Gabriel Martinelli on the right flank earlier this season during an injury crisis involving Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke.

“That day we lost, the kind of idea behind what we did—Arsenal did it and they won. Remember they brought in the Brazilian guy on the right side and they won. Ours went wrong.”

But at Gor Mahia, similar bold adjustments have mostly paid off. The team has since won five of their last six matches, with only Ulinzi Stars managing to hold them to a draw. Akonnor believes this success has come from thoughtful planning and a willingness to innovate without fear.

“Every time we have thought carefully about what we do, we have managed to be successful. This tells us we have to work extra hard.”

The coach also extended gratitude to the league sponsors following his win.

“We are grateful to the sponsors. I am sure it is the first of its kind. If it has been going on, the money has increased, and we are grateful.”

With Gor Mahia back on top of the league and brimming with confidence, Akonnor’s mix of pragmatism, adaptability, and tactical courage appears to be shaping the early stages of what could be a title-challenging campaign.