Gor Mahia began 2026 with a statement: dominance. The club swept the Coach and Player of the Month honours for January, a double that underlines a team firing on all cylinders. Gabriel Akonnor’s tactical brilliance and David Ochuoga’s rock-solid defending were the twin engines behind an unbeaten opening month that stretched Gor Mahia’s lead at the summit of the SportPesa League.
Tactical Genius at the Helm
Gabriel Akonnor has become the season’s benchmark for coaching excellence — the first coach to claim the monthly prize twice. His approach blends tactical flexibility with ruthless game management. Akonnor’s side produced dramatic comebacks and clinical wins, turning pressure moments into momentum against Murang’a SEAL, Sofapaka and Bidco United. He credited the squad’s resilience and collective spirit, insisting the award belongs to the entire team.
“Every match is an opportunity to show our skill and teamwork,” Akonnor said, praising the players’ late-game grit and the fans’ electric support.
Ochuoga the Unbreakable
At right-back, David Ochuoga has been a revelation. Ever-present across six matches, he collected two Man of the Match awards and anchored a defence that looked impenetrable in January. His standout performance in the 3–0 dismantling of Sofapaka showcased both defensive discipline and attacking support, making him a deserved Player of the Month.
A Field of Fierce Contenders
Ochuoga’s victory was hard-won. The shortlist read like a who’s who of January form: Fred Ambani (AFC Leopards), who led Ingwe to four wins from five; Bernard Mwalala (Bandari FC), whose side grabbed 10 points from four matches; and Osborne Monday (Murang’a SEAL), who steered his team to three wins in four fixtures. Other notable nominees — Morrison (Gor Mahia), Odhiambo (AFC Leopards) and Jimmy Owili (Mara Sugar) — all left their mark on a competitive month.
Momentum and Meaning
The twin accolades for Akonnor and Ochuoga are more than trophies on a shelf; they are proof of Gor Mahia’s early-season blueprint. Sitting four points clear of AFC Leopards, the club looks poised to carry January’s momentum deep into the 2026 title race. Consistency, depth and a winning mentality have combined to make Gor Mahia the team to beat.
Looking Ahead
Akonnor’s calm leadership and Ochuoga’s dependable presence set a tone: this Gor Mahia side is built to endure. If January was any indication, rivals will need more than flashes of brilliance — they will need sustained excellence — to topple the reigning pace-setters.
