Head Coach Abdul Karim Zito deserves more time and support despite the rising criticisms over Kotoko’s recent performances. After a bright start to the 2025/2026 campaign, the club’s momentum has stalled, with the team failing to win any of its last three outstanding matches — drawing twice and losing once.
But according to sports analyst Justice Adusi-Poku, the call for Zito’s dismissal is premature. Several critical factors have contributed to the team’s dip in form, many of which are beyond the coach’s control.
1. Unprecedented Injury Crisis
Kotoko is currently battling one of its worst injury spells in years.
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13 first-team players are sidelined.
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About five of them are regular starters.
The analyst notes that no club can perform at its best with such a depleted squad, especially after integrating 15 new signings from the last transfer window. Team cohesion takes time, and injuries have disrupted the process significantly.
2. Fatigue from Excessive Travel and Congested Fixtures
The Porcupine Warriors have been travelling across the country for both regular league matches and outstanding fixtures that were rescheduled earlier in the season.
This has resulted in:
-Player fatigue
-Accumulated knocks and new injuries
-Opponents taking advantage of a tired Kotoko side
Justice Adusi-Poku argues that this physical toll has clearly affected the team’s sharpness and consistency.
3. Absence of Key Players
Perhaps the most damaging factor has been the loss of Albert Amoa, the team’s best performer and creative force this season.
Other influential players like Kwame Poku and Isaac Mintah have also been unavailable, further weakening the squad.
With the spine of the team missing, Zito has been forced into constant tactical adjustments, making stability difficult.
Conclusion: A Coach Who Needs Patience, Not Pressure
Justice Adusi-Poku insists that Coach Abdul Karim Zito must not be judged solely on recent results. The circumstances surrounding the team would pose a challenge to even the best managers.
He believes Kotoko will regain form once:
-Injured players return,
-The team gels fully, and
-The travel load eases.
For these reasons, he concludes that Zito deserves more time to execute his project and steer the club back to winning ways.
By Justice Adusi-Poku
