FC AshantiGold 04 head coach Karim Zito has insisted that his side will approach their game against Asante Kotoko without any intention of seeking revenge, stressing that the encounter is about football and the points at stake rather than personal grievances.
Speaking to Akoma 87.9 FM, Zito said his team would maintain its usual approach despite the attention surrounding the fixture, explaining that his primary objective is to secure victory rather than use the match to settle scores with their opponents.
“I am not going to seek revenge against Kotoko. It is a game, and just as I want to win, they also want to beat us,” Zito said, as quoted by Akoma FM.
The experienced coach maintained that football is a competitive sport in which every team enters the field with the ambition of winning. He believes Asante Kotoko will be equally determined to secure the maximum points, making it important for his players to concentrate on their responsibilities rather than allow emotions to influence their performance.
Zito’s comments suggest that he wants his players to treat the contest as a normal competitive fixture, regardless of the history or rivalry associated with the opponents. Rather than allowing the occasion to become emotionally charged, he wants his side to remain focused on the football and the opportunity to collect valuable points.
“Our approach will be the same as in every other game because the points at stake are the same,” he added.
The statement underlines the coach’s emphasis on consistency and discipline. For Zito, the importance of the match should not change the principles guiding his team’s preparation. He believes the objective remains straightforward: compete, execute the game plan and do everything possible to win.
His refusal to frame the fixture as a revenge mission also sends a message about the mentality he expects from his players. Instead of dwelling on previous encounters or looking for an opportunity to settle old scores, the team must concentrate on what it can control during the game.
Zito acknowledged that both teams will be motivated to win, making it necessary for his players to approach the contest with determination and respect for their opponents. He recognises that Asante Kotoko will also be looking to secure victory, and his side must be prepared to match that ambition on the pitch.
The coach’s comments further highlight the competitive nature of Ghanaian football, where matches involving established clubs and ambitious sides often attract considerable attention from supporters. However, Zito appears determined to ensure that the attention surrounding the fixture does not distract his players from their immediate task.
For FC AshantiGold 04, the focus will be on delivering a disciplined performance and taking advantage of opportunities when they arise. Zito’s message is that the team must approach the contest with the same seriousness and commitment it brings to every other fixture.
His position is clear: the match is not about revenge, personal feelings or settling scores. It is about football, performance and the points available.
With both sides expected to pursue victory, the encounter will provide an opportunity for Zito and his players to demonstrate their readiness to compete under pressure.
Source and quote credit: Akoma 87.9 FM, via Akoma Sports.
