Ashanti Gold 04 head coach Karim Zito says he fully supports Kwasi Sibo’s decision to join Libyan champions Al-Swehly, despite criticism of the Ghana midfielder’s reported $10m transfer.
Sibo moved to the North African club after leaving Spanish side Real Oviedo. The transfer has divided opinion, particularly after his involvement with Ghana at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
But Zito believes the 28-year-old should be free to choose the path he considers best for his career and should not be criticised for prioritising his own future.
“I’m 100% behind Kwasi Sibo. If you don’t fight for yourself now, nobody will fight for you,” Zito told 3Sports.
The experienced coach also questioned whether footballers can always rely on promises made to them, pointing to commitments he said had not been fulfilled after Ghana won the Africa Cup of Nations.
“Even when Ghana won the AFCON, they promised to be given houses; it did not come,” he said.
“What is the motive of playing football?”
Sibo was an important member of Ghana’s squad at the 2026 World Cup. He appeared in all four of the Black Stars’ matches and played a total of 249 minutes during the tournament.
He started Ghana’s goalless draw with England and also featured in matches against Panama, Croatia and Colombia.
Zito’s backing comes as Sibo prepares for a new challenge with Al-Swehly, who are beginning their CAF Champions League campaign. The Libyan champions are due to face Zanzibar club KVZ in the preliminary round.
The move represents a major change for Sibo after his time with Real Oviedo in Spain. Its reported $10m value has attracted attention, while the player’s choice of destination has prompted debate following his performances on the international stage.
Zito, however, argued that players must take responsibility for protecting their own interests, particularly when assurances made in football do not always result in tangible rewards.
Sibo is expected to play a significant part in Al-Swehly’s attempt to progress in the CAF Champions League. The club’s first assignment will be the preliminary-round tie against KVZ.
It is not yet known whether Sibo will be selected by Ghana for next month’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
