FC AshantiGold 04 head coach Karim Zito says his team will face Asante Kotoko with no desire for revenge, insisting the match should be decided by football and the points on offer.
Rather than allowing past grievances or the rivalry between the clubs to shape his players’ mindset, Zito wants them to approach the fixture in the same way as any other competitive game.
“I am not going to seek revenge against Kotoko. It is a game, and just as I want to win, they also want to beat us,” Zito told Akoma 87.9 FM, as quoted by Akoma FM.
The experienced coach acknowledged that both sides will be determined to claim victory. He said that understanding should encourage his players to focus on their responsibilities and avoid allowing emotions surrounding the match to affect their performance.
“Our approach will be the same as in every other game because the points at stake are the same,” he added.
Zito’s message is centred on consistency. Despite the increased attention around the fixture, he believes FC AshantiGold 04 must retain the same principles in their preparation: follow the game plan, compete with discipline and take their chances when they arise.
He also expects Asante Kotoko to pursue the maximum points, meaning his side will need to match their opponents’ ambition and intensity on the pitch. For Zito, the importance of the encounter does not require a change in the team’s approach.
His refusal to describe the game as a revenge mission reflects the mentality he wants from his players. Instead of looking back at previous meetings or seeking to settle old scores, they must concentrate on the areas they can control during the match.
Matches involving established clubs and ambitious teams in Ghanaian football often attract significant interest from supporters. However, Zito is determined that the attention surrounding this contest should not distract FC AshantiGold 04 from its immediate objective.
The coach said the task is straightforward: deliver a disciplined performance, execute the plan and do everything possible to win. He recognises that personal feelings and the history between the teams should not take precedence over the competitive purpose of the fixture.
For Zito, the encounter is about performance and the points available, not settling scores. With both teams expected to chase victory, the match will test FC AshantiGold 04’s ability to remain focused and compete under pressure.
Source and quote credit: Akoma 87.9 FM, via Akoma Sports.