Gor Mahia have gifted head coach Charles Akonnor a brand-new Nissan X-Trail as the Ghanaian tactician prepares to lead the Kenyan champions into the 2026/27 season.
The gesture follows Akonnor’s successful debut campaign, in which he guided K’Ogalo to the FKF Premier League title and the Cecafa Club Championship final.
The club announced on Sunday that it had purchased the SUV for the coach, upgrading him from the saloon car he had previously been using.
“Upgrading from a saloon car to an SUV machine. The club management has secured a new ride for head coach Charles Akonnor; he can now roll in style and comfort as he leads the team. Coach wao amepewa gari kama hii ama bora ni gari tu? (Has their coach also received such a vehicle as this or is it just a normal one?) We are Mahia,” the club said.
The gesture comes after a successful first season at Gor Mahia for Akonnor, during which he guided the record Kenyan league champions to the FKF Premier League title.
The new vehicle could also strengthen speculation that the former Ghana national team tactician is set to remain at the club, despite reports that he had been considering offers from other clubs after his first campaign with K’Ogalo.
The new Nissan X-Trail purchased for Gor head coach Charles Akonnor. PHOTO/GOR MAHIA FC
Akonnor had recently appeared frustrated by criticism surrounding his position at Gor Mahia, speaking about what he described as “backstabbers” within his circle who were allegedly running a smear campaign against him.
The coach has also pushed back against suggestions that he is a “plumber”, a term used to describe a fraudulent or incompetent coach. Akonnor has maintained that his career record demonstrates extensive experience working at the highest level.
On the pitch, Akonnor has already made a significant impact since taking charge of Gor Mahia. Last month, he guided the club to the final of the Cecafa Club Championships in Kigali, where they lost 2-1 to hosts Rayon Sports at the Amahoro Stadium.
Gor Mahia will now turn their attention to an increasingly demanding 2026/27 campaign, with the club competing on three fronts.
K’Ogalo will seek to defend their FKF Premier League title while also mounting a challenge in the domestic cup. Their continental campaign will see them compete in the CAF Champions League, where they face Egyptian side Pyramids FC in the first preliminary round.
The first leg is scheduled for the weekend of September 4-6, giving Akonnor and his squad several weeks to prepare for the continental assignment.
Before then, Gor Mahia will continue their pre-season preparations with a friendly against newly promoted Migori Youth at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday. The match forms part of the Green Legacy Cup.
The new vehicle therefore arrives at a crucial point for Akonnor and Gor Mahia, with the club seeking to build on their domestic success while preparing for a season that will test the squad across local and continental competitions.
For Akonnor, the Nissan X-Trail represents more than a new means of transport as he prepares to begin his second campaign with K’Ogalo. The club will hope the gesture provides another boost as the coach targets further silverware.