Zito praises “European” style of SA football after Asante Kotoko defeat Chiefs

Asante Kotoko head coach Karim Zito has expressed his admiration for the European-esque playing style of Kaizer Chiefs, suggesting it’s a characteristic of South African football as a whole.

While satisfied with his team’s tactical execution in their Toyota Cup triumph, Zito also acknowledged an element of luck in their win.

In their recent clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, Kotoko opted for a conservative strategy, deploying a deep defensive line and seeking opportunities on the counter.

Zito explained this approach was a necessity given his squad’s pre-season fitness levels.

“Ultimately, I’m satisfied with my boys and tactically as well,” Zito shared with SABC Sport.

“Given our new players and limited preparation, I knew we might secure a narrow win or a draw. We prioritised defence because we couldn’t match their pre-season readiness and cohesion.”

Zito highlighted the strategic thinking behind their game plan. “We hadn’t trained for three days, so fatigue was a factor, which led us to sit back,” he elaborated.

“A good coach understands the opponent and crafts a strategy that suits their own team.”

The seasoned coach, with experience leading Dreams FC and the Ghana Under-20 National Team, went on to commend Amakhosi and the broader South African football landscape for their progressive style.

“To be honest, South Africans play like Europeans, unlike other African nations,” he observed. “They don’t relentlessly chase; instead, they invite pressure. I’ve observed this during my time in Europe, working in development.”

While acknowledging Chiefs’ solid performance, Zito maintained that fortune favoured Kotoko.

“Chiefs didn’t play poorly, but luck was on our side… we were fortunate to win,” he conceded. “However, everyone desires luck, and I’m delighted because our tactical plan paid off.”