Karim Zito, the head coach of Ghana’s U-17 team and Premier League side Dreams FC, has expressed his concern about coaches prioritizing immediate results over player development due to the fear of harsh criticism.
In an interview with Radio Gold Sports, the experienced junior and youth development coach highlighted the issue.
Zito pointed out that many coaches have shifted their focus from player development to achieving immediate results in order to avoid negative comments and insults. This approach hampers the long-term growth and progress of young players.
He emphasized the importance of understanding the concept of player development and its significance for the future of Ghanaian football.
Zito compared this situation to other African countries where coaches are allowed and encouraged to focus on developing players, rather than solely pursuing short-term victories.
Zito’s insights shed light on the challenges faced by coaches in Ghana, and he advocates for a shift in mindset towards prioritizing player development for sustained success.
“Most of these developers, now they don’t go for development but they go for results because they want to win to avoid people insulting them so you can easily see.
“If you don’t understand the concept of development definitely this is what is going to happen to us.
“But in the other African counties who are catching up with us they know it and also they allow their coaches to develop the players.
“When you go to other countries, they allow it and so they don’t care.”
In addition to his role as the head coach of the Ghana U-17 team, Zito also serves as the head coach of Ghana Premier League club Dreams FC.
