'Players are to blame' â?? Kotoko supporters chief on Karim Zitoâ??s exit

The resignation of Asante Kotoko’s former head coach Karim Zito continues to spark debate, with the club’s Ashanti Regional Circles Chairman Alex Manu insisting the playing body must shoulder a significant share of the blame for the team’s underwhelming form.

In an exclusive interview with Citi Sports, Manu pushed back against narratives placing sole responsibility on Zito or the club’s passionate supporters, instead pointing to possible divisions and commitment issues within the squad.

“He’s not working alone. He’s working with players,” Manu stressed. “We should also go to the players and meet them one after the other to ask them if they had any issues. Because normally when players are having issues with each other, or they’re having issues with the club, this is how the performance always goes.”

While acknowledging that Kotoko’s fanbase is a “pressure group” that demands nothing short of victory, Manu also called for patience with coaches who understand the club’s culture—like Zito, a former player and club legend.

Zito stepped down on February 9, 2026, with Kotoko sitting fifth in the Ghana Premier League, eight points behind leaders Medeama SC and eliminated from both the CAF Confederation Cup and MTN FA Cup this season.

Manu’s comments shift focus squarely onto the squad’s mentality and cohesion ahead of a critical period for the club, beginning with the Super Clash against Hearts of Oak on February 15.

His message is clear: while coaching and fan pressure play their part, the players must now look inward, unite, and perform if Kotoko’s season is to be salvaged.

“So, if you don’t take time and you sack your coach, the team also remains,” Manu added. “But, for this one, let’s see. We hope for the best.”

As Kotoko prepare for life after Zito, the spotlight is now on whether the players will respond—or if internal issues will continue to hinder the Porcupine Warriors’ progress.

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