Hindsight: Zito returns to Kotoko with an opportunity to enhance his legacy

Dr. Prosper Ogum is having a different Monday morning.

He just received a $16,000 payout. He might be relaxing on a beach, enjoying a Cohiba Behike and Barolo wine.

With each sip, he reflects on his past experiences. Despite the challenges, he walks away with a check and hopes for future opportunities.

Alternatively, he could explore something new like the Bali Arts Festival 2025 in Denpasar, Bali. This festival features daily exhibitions and performances that may inspire him.

His current situation contrasts sharply with just a week ago.

On similar Mondays, Dr. Narteh Ogum would analyze video clips of Kotoko’s matches. He focused on player positioning, reactions, body language, and decision-making to understand his team better.

But now that responsibility belongs to Abdul Karim Zito. Zito recently won his first match as coach—a 1-0 victory over Aduana Stars after five training sessions.

This win was crucial for team morale and Zito's confidence. At his unveiling, Zito stated that Kotoko remains in the title race. Thanks to Vision F.C.'s win over Bibiani Gold Stars, Kotoko is now three points behind the league leaders.

However, this victory feels less significant due to ongoing management issues at Kotoko. The club's ownership struggles have created little optimism for the future.

Even if they win titles, there are fears about potential humiliations in international competitions. Kotoko has been without a board of directors for two years.

Currently, management consists of Nana Apinkrah Akwasi Awuah and others without clear policy direction or oversight responsibilities.

There are no long-term or short-term plans in place either.

Since June 2023 to January 2025, the club has sacked over twenty-five players while signing twelve more.

For someone like Zito who considers Kotoko home, this situation is surprising given its history.

Twenty years ago, he saw how long-term planning benefited former players and fostered strong technical culture at the club.

In subsequent years, many young coaches nurtured by Kotoko became key figures in Ghanaian football—Zito among them.

Kotoko once had an effective scouting network that brought bright talents into their academy and first team directly.

In 2005, Michael Ofosu Appiah played prominently as they reached the CAF Confederation Cup final alongside other notable players from various clubs.

Their recruitment strategy focused on acquiring top young talent to build competitive teams despite occasional departures.

Even after losing players like Isaac Boakye post-2003, they remained competitive on continental stages.

If Zito aims to enhance his legacy of five league titles and other accolades at Kotoko, revamping the technical structure is essential.

What transpired under Ogum was predictable; thus Zito must establish a scouting network for top talents in Ashanti Region and beyond while defining what talent means within Kotoko’s philosophy.

Currently lacking such structure leads to hiring coaches with differing tactics which creates discord among players during training sessions.

Zito is already regarded as a club hero from his playing days but can achieve iconic status by initiating cultural change at Kotoko.