Asante Kotoko icon George Kennedy has endorsed newly appointed interim coach Karim Zito as the catalyst to reignite the club’s faltering Ghana Premier League campaign, insisting the title race remains within reach.
Kennedy, a former midfielder for the Porcupine Warriors, described Zito as a “game changer” capable of steering the team to domestic silverware despite trailing leaders Bibiani Gold Stars by six points with six matches remaining.
Zito’s appointment follows the dismissal of head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum after a 2-0 loss to Nations FC deepened frustrations among fans and management. Kennedy pointed to Zito’s recent success with Dreams FC, whom he guided to the CAF Confederation Cup semifinals, as evidence of his tactical acumen. “His track record speaks for itself. With support and resources, he can replicate that here,” Kennedy told Akoma FM, urging players to adopt a renewed mindset under the interim boss.
The club’s title ambitions hinge on overturning the deficit, a feat Kennedy framed as achievable. “Six points is two wins. If Gold Stars slip and we maximize our remaining games, the gap closes,” he said, emphasizing the need for unity and injury-free runs. Kotoko’s next fixture against Aduana Stars at Baba Yara Stadium on April 27 looms as a critical test of Zito’s immediate impact.
Zito inherits a squad under pressure to deliver the club’s 26th league title, a legacy-heavy expectation in a season marked by inconsistency. His interim role, initially billed as a technical advisory position, now carries the weight of salvaging both pride and points. Supporters will scrutinize his ability to instill defensive discipline and attacking cohesion, issues that plagued Ogum’s tenure.
The challenge mirrors broader dynamics in Ghanaian football, where managerial turnover often outpaces structural reforms. Zito’s task is compounded by limited time to implement strategies, yet his familiarity with local leagues and continental experience offers a glimmer of optimism. For Kotoko, a club synonymous with success, the coming weeks will test whether managerial changes alone can offset systemic issues or if deeper recalibrations await beyond the season’s end.
Kennedy’s faith in Zito underscores a broader belief in experienced leadership during crises, a theme recurrent in African football. However, the interim coach’s success will ultimately depend on translating belief into results, starting with a decisive performance against Aduana Stars. As the countdown to the season finale intensifies, Kotoko’s pursuit of glory rests on blending urgency with execution a balance that has eluded them thus far.
