Asante Kotoko say the resignation of head coach Abdul Karim Zito will not derail the club’s preparations ahead of their high-stakes Ghana Premier League Week 22 showdown against fierce rivals Accra Hearts of Oak.
The Porcupine Warriors are set to host the much-anticipated Super Clash at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday, a fixture widely viewed as an opportunity for the Kumasi giants to rediscover form and rebuild confidence in the title race.
Zito stepped down from his role following Kotoko’s Round of 16 elimination from the MTN FA Cup against Aduana FC — a result that came amid a difficult run of league form which has seen the club record only one win in their last five matches. The team currently sits fifth on the league table, eight points behind leaders Medeama SC.
Despite the timing of the departure, Kotoko’s management insists the transition has been smooth and that the technical structure already in place provides continuity. First assistant coach Prince Owusu has been elevated to interim head coach, with Mohammed Hamza Obeng, head coach of the club’s junior side, stepping in to offer additional support.
Communications Director Sarfo Duku emphasized that the club’s technical direction remains stable despite the change at the top.
“Well, we know that football is a continuous process. He was not doing the work alone. He had his other technical staff with him. And so, once he was not there, we could count on the others to move the club forward,” Duku explained.
He further detailed the interim arrangement, adding, “That’s exactly what we have done — by putting in charge the first assistant coach, Prince Owusu, to be supported by Mohammed Hamza Obeng, who is the head coach of the junior team, and then the second assistant to coach Zito for the senior side.”
Zito, who assumed office in July last year, leaves behind a notable legacy, having guided Kotoko to MTN FA Cup triumph in the 2024/25 campaign along with other silverware. His achievements now form the foundation the interim technical team will aim to build upon as the club seeks to steady its season.
All eyes now turn to the Baba Yara Stadium, where Sunday’s encounter against Hearts of Oak could shape not only Kotoko’s momentum in the league but also the confidence surrounding their new technical leadership.
