Karim Zito: Veteran coach open to Asante Kotoko return

Former Kotoko coach Karim Zito says he is open to returning to the club in future after a seemingly strained departure.

The veteran tactician resigned from his post following strings of poor performances in the Ghana Premier League where the club has managed just one win in their last four games.

In an interview with Kumasi based Akoma 87.9 FM, Zito shared some words on his departure and the need to respect the club’s legacy.

Karim Zito led Asante Kotoko to last season’s FA Cup

“At the end of the day, I’m a legend. I played for this club for over 10 years and won a lot with them. Why should I hate it?” he asked.

“This is not my first time coming to Kotoko and leaving, and I won’t be the last coach. The club has a legacy, and it must be respected.”

Kotoko are sitting fifth on the league table with 39 points, seven points behind leaders Medeama after 25 games.

The former Ghana U-20 coach guided the Porcupine Warriors to the 2024/25 MTN FA Cup but their performance in the CAF Confederation Cup fell short of expectation after suffering a heavy aggregate loss to Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club in the second preliminary round.

The veteran coach, who led Dreams fc to the semifinals of the CAF Confederation Cup in the 2023/24 season, is now in charge of Ghana Division One side, FC AshGold 04.

The 65-year-old who spent ten years playing for Asante Kotoko previously managed the two time African champions before spells at Dreams fc and Ghana U-17 and the U-20 national teams.

The renowned talent developer led Ghana’s U-20 to glory at the 2021 Africa Youth Championship in Mauritania, a tournament that produced Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu Issaaku and FC Aarau forward Daniel Afriyie Barnieh.