Asante Kotoko head coach Abdul Karim Zito has opened up about the emotional strain that comes with managing one of Ghana’s biggest football clubs, admitting that defeats often cost him sleepless nights.
The experienced tactician has recently come under mounting pressure after Kotoko’s FA Cup exit at the hands of Aduana FC in the Round of 16 at the Baba Yara Stadium ; a result that fueled criticism from sections of the club’s supporters and renewed conversations about his future.
In an interview with Kumasi–based Akoma FM, Zito shared how deeply results affect him on a personal level, explaining that losses disturb both his rest and his peace of mind. According to him, coaching Kotoko is more than just a job; it is a responsibility he carries heavily, especially considering the passion and sacrifices of the club’s fan base.
He stressed that no coach deliberately sets out to fail, but emphasized that the team ultimately belongs to the supporters, whose backing remains crucial even during difficult periods.
Zito’s comments come at a pivotal moment in the season as Kotoko prepare to face arch-rivals Accra Hearts of Oak in the much-anticipated Super Clash ; a fixture that traditionally commands national attention and fierce bragging rights. The showdown is expected to draw a packed crowd at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, with both clubs looking to seize momentum in the league.
With 13 matches left to play, the Porcupine Warriors currently sit fifth on the Ghana Premier League table, trailing league leaders Medeama SC by eight points. The upcoming fixtures, starting with the Super Clash, could prove decisive in shaping Kotoko’s title ambitions and easing the pressure surrounding their head coach.
