Asante Kotoko has insisted that it never intended to terminate the contract of former head coach Karim Zito, following his resignation on Monday.
The club’s Communications Director, Sarfo Duku, revealed that Zito’s decision to step down came as no surprise to the management, who were aware of his growing frustration over the team’s performances.
Zito resigned a day after Kotoko’s FA Cup exit, where they were beaten 4-2 on penalties by Aduana FC at the Baba Yara Stadium. In the wake of his departure, Prince Yaw Owusu has been appointed interim coach as the Porcupine Warriors regroup ahead of key league fixtures.
Speaking to Luv FM, Duku said the coach’s resignation was expected. “We were not surprised, because we knew that the coach wasn't happy with the performance of his team, and so it didn't come to us as a surprise at all,” he explained.
He further dismissed speculation that management had been planning to sack Zito before his exit. “No, we had no plan to do that,” Duku stressed. “We were to receive the details of what transpired in the course of the match. And then, of course, we have asked the necessary questions.”
Kotoko’s recent results had already placed pressure on the coaching staff. The Porcupine Warriors have won just one of their last five matches across all competitions, and their FA Cup defeat to Aduana extended a run of inconsistent performances that tested both the team and its technical team.
Despite Zito’s departure, the club is now turning its attention to the upcoming Ghana Premier League fixture against bitter rivals Hearts of Oak. The Super Clash is scheduled for Sunday at the Baba Yara Stadium, with interim coach Prince Yaw Owusu set to take charge of the team for the high-stakes encounter.
