Former Ghana youth coach Karim Zito has made a strong case for the appointment of a local coach to lead the Black Stars, arguing that Ghanaian coaches would approach the national team job with commitment and a focus on achieving success.
Zito believes local coaches should be given the opportunity to develop the national team while also reducing the financial burden associated with hiring expatriate coaches.
Speaking on the Black Stars job before the start of the Ghana Premier League season, Zito said local coaches would prioritise achievement rather than financial rewards.
“Any local coach will coach the Black Stars with all their hearts to achieve [success]. We don’t look at money, we look at achievement. I can’t charge Black Stars the way a white coach will. Build us, it will lessen your financial burden.”
His comments have reignited the debate over whether the Ghana Football Association should consider a Ghanaian coach for the Black Stars job.
The question of who should lead the national team has become a major talking point, particularly as Ghana looks to rebuild the team and establish a more consistent footballing structure.
Zito’s argument is based on the belief that a local coach would have a deeper understanding of the Ghanaian football environment and would be motivated by national pride as well as professional responsibility.
He also believes investing in Ghanaian coaches could help create a more sustainable approach to managing the national team.
The veteran coach’s comments come at a time when the Black Stars are searching for stability and the right technical direction.
With Ghanaian coaches such as Zito possessing considerable experience in the local game, his call for greater confidence in indigenous technical leadership is likely to generate further discussion.
Whether the GFA should appoint a local coach or continue looking abroad remains a matter of debate.
