On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Abdul Karim Zito was appointed as Asante Kotoko’s new Technical Director and interim head coach, taking over from the dismissed Prosper Narteh Ogum.
A former Kotoko right-back and head coach, Zito returns to the club with a wealth of experience at both domestic and international levels, having led Dreams FC to a historic CAF Confederation Cup semi-final and guided Ghana’s U-20 team to victory at the 2021 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
As he begins his tenure, here are four crucial tasks Zito must tackle to steer Kotoko back to glory:
1. Win the Double — League and FA Cup
Kotoko’s management has handed Zito and assistant coach Prince Yaw Owusu the ambitious target of securing both the Ghana Premier League and the MTN FA Cup.
The Porcupine Warriors last achieved this feat in the 2013/14 season under Mas-Ud Didi Dramani. Since then, the club has struggled to replicate such dominance. Kotoko last won the Premier League in 2021–22 under Prosper Ogum and lifted the FA Cup in 2017.
Currently sitting fourth with 47 points after 28 matches and winless in their last four games, Kotoko face a daunting task. However, Zito remains confident and sees the challenge as difficult but achievable.
2. Establish a Clear Football Philosophy
At his unveiling, Zito vowed to implement a defined football identity at Kotoko — something he believes the club currently lacks.
“I’m going to develop a philosophy for the club because they don’t have one,” Zito stated. “At Dreams, I built one that is still being used. I want to do the same for Kotoko so that regardless of who comes next, there’s a clear system in place.”
With this vision, Zito aims to build a lasting football culture that outlives his tenure.
3. Protect Kotoko’s Perfect Home Record
Since returning to the Baba Yara Stadium from Obuasi in November 2024, Kotoko have maintained an unbeaten home record this season — seven wins, one draw, 13 goals scored, and just two conceded.
With tough home fixtures ahead against Aduana Stars, Dreams FC, and Medeama, Zito must preserve this record and turn Baba Yara into a true fortress to keep their title hopes alive.
4. Break a Nine-Year Hoodoo Against Hearts in Accra
On matchday 30, Kotoko travel to face arch-rivals Hearts of Oak at the Accra Sports Stadium — a venue where they haven’t beaten the Phobians in a league match since May 2, 2016.
Despite this, Kotoko boast a four-match winning streak over Hearts in all competitions since the 2023–24 season, a run Zito will be keen to extend while ending the club’s nine-year wait for a league victory in Accra.
Hearts of Oak, currently sixth and winless in their last three league matches, are vulnerable — offering Kotoko a golden opportunity to rewrite the script.
With just six matches left in the season, the pressure is on, but Abdul Karim Zito’s return could be the spark Kotoko need to reclaim their place at the summit of Ghanaian football.
