Asante Kotoko head coach Karim Zito has emphasized that motivation must come from both sides: the coach and the players themselves.
Ahead of Kotoko’s outstanding Matchweek 3 fixture against Basake Holy Stars at the AAK II Arena on Wednesday, Zito reminded his squad that every player signed for the club with a purpose.
The Porcupine Warriors coach stressed that joining Kotoko is not just about wearing the famous jersey but about performing at a high level and advancing one’s career.
“I have to motivate them, but before someone motivates you, you have to use intrinsic motivation—motivate yourself,” Zito told Peace FM. “The desire to join Kotoko isn’t just because it is Asante Kotoko. You join to play well and enhance your life as a footballer. With all this journey around us, the most important thing is to rest, especially a day before a game.”
He added, “You know how to manage yourself because you need energy. If you don’t have that energy, you can’t play. Everybody wants to beat Kotoko—that’s a fact. So when you are in Kotoko, you have to be ready for every situation. As a coach, I receive criticism, some fair, some not, but I stand by myself and take it in good faith. This is Asante Kotoko.”
Kotoko enter the match unbeaten in 10 games and remain the only side yet to lose this season.
