Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has been named the FKF Premier League's best coach for October, Capital FM reported on Thursday. The Ghanaian earned the award after the champions won their first four games of the 2026/27 season.
The run began with a 4-2 win over Murang'a Seal at Nyayo Stadium on October 13. Four days later, Gor edged APS Bomet 1-0 in Homa Bay. A week after that, Alpha Onyango scored his third goal of the season in a 1-0 win over Bandari at Nyayo. Four days later, David 'Messi' Okoth struck a cracker as Gor beat Kakamega Homeboyz 1-0 at Bukhungu Stadium.
Their form has since dipped. Gor lost 2-1 to KCB in Embu, then drew 1-1 with Nairobi United at Wang'uru Stadium in Kirinyaga. Akonnor still believes his side will finish top. "The belief is that on the final day, when the league comes to an end, we'll be on top," he told The Eastleigh Voice.
Akonnor said the October run followed work to rebuild the players mentally. The squad had gone through a difficult period around their CECAFA and Champions League campaigns. The club brought in a psychologist to speak to the players. He added that rivals now study Gor and find ways to contain them. He pointed to Brazil, Barcelona and Manchester City as big teams that also lose games.
The coach said the KCB defeat exposed areas to improve. He praised the fightback against Nairobi United, a side he called "a thorn in our flesh." He also highlighted Onyango's return to the Harambee Stars after being dropped. Akonnor said he had tough conversations with the midfielder, who accepted the criticism and worked his way back.
According to The Eastleigh Voice, this is Akonnor's third monthly award since the coaching awards returned. That is the most of any coach in that period. He said the award was emotional and credited his players. He also praised other coaches, including KCB's bench. He called for more support for Kenyan football from the government, the private sector and football authorities.
Akonnor joined Gor in July last year and won the league in his first season, Capital FM reported. He said the international break gives the team time to learn from recent results before league action resumes.