Asante Kotoko’s former CEO and club legend Samuel Opoku Nti has endorsed the decision to appoint Karim Zito as head coach, calling the timing “correct” despite criticism over the abrupt dismissal of predecessor Prosper Ogum.
Ogum was relieved of his duties with six matches remaining in Kotoko’s 2024/25 Ghana Premier League campaign after a string of underwhelming performances, a move that sparked debate among fans and analysts.
Opoku Nti, a key figure in Kotoko’s storied history, argued that the team’s lack of cohesion under Ogum justified the managerial change. “The way Kotoko was playing, something wasn’t clicking,” he told Akoma FM. “It’s better to sacrifice one individual than risk the entire team falling apart. This happens even in Europe.” He emphasized that the club’s leadership acted decisively to salvage their season, noting Zito’s immediate impact.
Zito, previously technical director at Dreams FC, began his tenure with a critical 1-0 victory over Aduana Stars, secured by Kwame Poku’s first-half strike. The win revitalized Kotoko’s hopes of climbing the league table, with five matches now remaining. Opoku Nti expressed confidence that the coaching shift could spur a late-season resurgence. “If they changed the coach, Kotoko could win two or three matches in a row,” he added.
The decision to replace Ogum late in the season mirrors strategies seen in global football, where clubs often gamble on mid-term changes to avoid relegation or secure continental competition spots. While such moves carry risks, Zito’s early success suggests Kotoko’s hierarchy may have calculated correctly. However, the long-term viability of this approach remains uncertain, particularly as Zito inherits a squad grappling with consistency issues.
Kotoko’s management now faces pressure to sustain momentum, balancing short-term results with broader structural planning. The club’s loyal fanbase, while buoyed by the recent win, will demand evidence that this transition aligns with a coherent vision beyond the current campaign. As Ghana’s most decorated team navigates this pivotal phase, the interplay between immediate performance and strategic stability will define its trajectory in a fiercely competitive league.
