Former Kotoko Express editor Jerome Otchere has urged the management of Asante Kotoko to consider appointing Abdul Karim Zito as the club’s permanent head coach.
Zito, a former head coach of Ghana’s U-20 team, the Black Satellites, is currently serving in an interim capacity following the dismissal of Prosper Narteh Ogum during the second round of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season due to a string of poor results.
Despite stepping in mid-season, Zito has guided the Porcupine Warriors to the final of the MTN FA Cup, where they are set to face lower-division side Golden Kick on June 15 at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
In the Premier League, Kotoko sit 4th with 51 points — just three behind leaders Nations FC — with a few games remaining.
While reports suggest Kotoko are exploring new coaching options ahead of next season, Otchere believes Zito’s recent achievements and continental experience make him a strong candidate for the role.
Speaking to LUV FM, Otchere highlighted Zito’s impressive CAF Confederation Cup campaign with Dreams FC, where he led the team to the semi-finals — a performance that earned widespread praise in the Ghanaian football community.
“If I’m to speak from experience, it will make a lot of sense to keep Zito — that’s if Zito is willing to stay — in the sense that I think Kotoko stands a very good chance of winning the FA Cup,” he said.
“The league title isn’t a certainty now. But if Kotoko wins the league or the FA Cup, there’s a chance they’ll be playing in Africa next season.
“I am looking at a coach who just last season guided Dreams FC in the African context to reach the semi-finals of the Confederation Cup. That was a huge achievement — not just for Zito, but for Dreams FC and Ghana football as a whole.
“So, if Zito is coming in with that experience, and I’m a decision-maker at Kotoko, I will definitely take that into account and begin to think he has what it takes to lead Kotoko in Africa,” he added.
Kotoko will continue their pursuit of league glory on Sunday when they host Zito’s former side, Dreams FC, in a crucial Matchday 31 encounter at the Baba Yara Stadium. Kick-off is at 15:00 GMT.