Head coach of Asante Kotoko, Abdul Karim Zito, has strongly dismissed reports of friction between strikers Albert Amoah and Kwame Opoku, insisting that what some see as tension is simply the fire of competition.
In recent weeks, rumours have circulated about a possible fallout between the two attackers, with fans and pundits pointing to a perceived lack of chemistry on the pitch. But Coach Zito, speaking in an interview on Saturday, was quick to defend his forwards.
“In as much as they sometimes show signs of selfishness on the pitch, I won’t subscribe to the notion that they are at each other’s throats or don’t see eye to eye,” the 61-year-old tactician said.
According to Zito, what may look like conflict is more about ‘ego-driven ambition’, which is a common trait among goal-hungry strikers trying to prove themselves at a top club like Kotoko.
“With my experience, you should not tell me my strikers are fighting. I don’t believe in that,” he stated. “To me, it’s not about loggerheads or rivalry, it’s about self-centredness. That’s normal for strikers.”
Zito added that he had spoken to both players individually to stress the importance of teamwork over personal glory. His message: “It’s Kotoko first before any individual.” He noted that both players had taken the advice well and were beginning to shift their mindsets toward a more collective approach.
“Everybody wants to score, and that’s natural,” Zito explained. “But they are changing gradually.”
On a positive note, Zito also shared some relief regarding the club’s injury woes. When he assumed the role, Kotoko had over eight first-team players sidelined. That number has since dropped to about three.
“For now, the injury situation is getting better than what I came to meet,” he confirmed. “At first, when you looked at the bench, more than eight players were out. Now it’s maybe three.”
The coach called on Kotoko fans to keep the faith and rally behind the team as they continue to rebuild. He stressed that fan support remains a crucial source of motivation for the players during this transitional phase.
