Gor Mahia Coach Charles Akonnor on Factor That Made Him Make it in German Bundesliga During Playing Days

Gor Mahia head coach Charles Akonnor has opened up about the key factor that helped him make it to the pinnacle of European football, recalling his remarkable journey from Ghana to captaining VfL Wolfsburg in the German Bundesliga.

Speaking in an interview with SportPesa, Akonnor — who also featured for Fortuna Düsseldorf during his playing career — reflected on how discipline, mental toughness, and divine grace shaped his success in one of Europe’s toughest football environments.

“I’ve lived a full life through football, and that legacy keeps me going,” Akonnor said. “I was always a disciplined person. I wasn’t the biggest or strongest, but my seriousness and commitment helped me succeed. 

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“I went to Europe not knowing what was expected of me, but I quickly realized I had to work extremely hard to survive and make an impact.”

The Ghanaian tactician revealed that the transition from Africa to Europe was far from easy. Having grown up in Accra, he faced several obstacles — from harsh weather conditions to adapting to a new football culture and confronting racism.

“The weather alone was tough — I had never experienced a cold like that before,” he admitted. “But those challenges made me stronger. I stayed focused, worked harder than anyone else, and eventually earned the trust of my teammates and coaches. That’s how I became captain at Wolfsburg. It was all about discipline, consistency, and faith.”

Akonnor, who has since transitioned into coaching, believes those same values are what he now tries to instill in his Gor Mahia players as they aim to maintain their dominance in Kenyan football and compete on the continental stage.

“You can have all the talent in the world, but without seriousness and effort, you won’t make it,” he said. 

“That’s the message I always share with my players — discipline and hard work always pay off. God has been with me throughout my journey, and I want the boys to believe that with the right mentality, anything is possible.”

After earning his coaching badges in Germany, Akonnor returned to Ghana, where he rose through the ranks to become national team head coach before taking charge of Gor Mahia.