Asante Kotoko say they remain fully focused on their preparations for Sunday’s Ghana Premier League Week 22 clash against fierce rivals Hearts of Oak, despite the recent resignation of head coach Abdul Karim Zito.
The Porcupine Warriors will welcome their archrivals to the Baba Yara Stadium in a crucial encounter as they seek to revive their title push and regain consistency in the league.
Zito stepped down from his role shortly after Kotoko’s elimination from the MTN FA Cup at the Round of 16 stage following defeat to Aduana FC. His departure came at a time when the team’s form had dipped, with just one win in their last five league matches. Kotoko currently sit fifth on the table, trailing leaders Medeama SC by eight points.
In response, the club has moved quickly to ensure continuity, naming first assistant coach Prince Owusu as interim head coach. He will work alongside Mohammed Hamza Obeng, the head coach of the club’s junior side, as well as the remaining technical staff.
Kotoko’s Communications Director, Sarfo Duku, expressed confidence that the change in leadership will not disrupt the team’s momentum ahead of the high-stakes derby.
“Well, we know that football is a continuous process. He was not doing the work alone. He had his other technical staff with him. And so, once he was not there, we could count on the others to move the club forward,” he said.
He added, “That’s exactly what we have done — by putting in charge the first assistant coach, Prince Owusu, to be supported by Mohammed Hamza Obeng, who is the head coach of the junior team, and then the second assistant to coach Zito for the senior side.”
Although his tenure has come to an end, Zito leaves with a notable achievement, having guided Kotoko to MTN FA Cup glory in the 2024/25 season after taking charge in July last year.
The interim technical team will now be tasked with building on that foundation as Kotoko aim to steady their campaign and secure a vital result in the much-anticipated clash against Hearts of Oak.
