Asante Kotoko’s Ashanti Regional Circles Chairman, Alex Manu, has voiced regret over how the club managed the exit of former head coach Abdul Karim Zito, suggesting that the situation may have benefited from more patience and understanding.
In an interview with Citi Sports, Manu highlighted Zito’s deep-rooted ties to the Porcupine Warriors, noting that his relationship with the club extends beyond coaching. Zito is also a former player and a member of Kotoko’s historic 1983 African Champions League–winning squad — a legacy Manu believes should have earned him greater trust during a difficult period.
“He knows how important supporters are. But, apart from us, to me, we should have had a lot of patience with him,” Manu admitted.
Zito officially stepped down on February 9, 2026, at a time when Kotoko were enduring a challenging campaign. The club found itself eight points adrift of the league leaders while also exiting both continental and domestic cup competitions earlier than expected — results that intensified pressure on the technical bench.
While Manu acknowledged that on-field struggles may not have been solely the coach’s responsibility, he hinted that player performance and internal dynamics could also have contributed to the downturn. His comments reflect a growing sentiment among sections of the fan base that the former coach’s departure might have been premature.
Kotoko now shift focus to a pivotal Super Clash against arch-rivals Accra Hearts of Oak on February 15, a fixture viewed as an opportunity to steady the season under interim leadership and rebuild confidence among supporters.
Manu’s reflections serve as both a critique of the decision-making process and a broader reminder of the delicate balance between expectations and loyalty at one of Ghana’s most storied football institutions — where immediate results are demanded, yet long-term faith in club legends can sometimes prove equally valuable.
