Dreams FC coach Karim Zito has reiterated his lack of regret over opting out of the race for the Black Stars coaching position.
The vacancy for the Black Stars coaching position arose following the departure of Chris Hughton after Ghana’s disappointing performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where they exited in the group stage.
Despite the association’s decision to invite applications from individuals worldwide, with criteria including a minimum of 15 years of experience and a proven winning track record, Karim Zito, widely respected for his expertise in tactical coaching and his ability to nurture young talents, opted not to pursue the Black Stars coaching position.
This decision stemmed from his commitment to his role at Dreams FC, where he has excelled in developing talent and achieving success, notably also securing victory in the African Youth Championship with the Black Satellites in 2021.
“Regret? No, because every decision you take in your life is your destiny so I stand by it.” he told Peace FM. He clarified that his decision was not due to a lack of capability but rather the intense scrutiny and criticism associated with the position at the time.
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“I want you to also know that not that I can’t do the job but it is because of what you said the talking that time the heat was there let’s be factual. and I go and add mine to it there will be chaos,” he added.
His decision to pay full attention to leading Dreams FC to success seems to have paid off having made history with the Ghana FA Cup champions in the CAF Confederation Cup.
After becoming the first Ghanaian club in the last 20 years to reach the knockout phase of the competition, Zito has led the side to another historic feat by reaching the last four having edged 2009 champions Stade Malien in the quarter-finals.
The Ghanaian FA Cup champions, Dreams FC, demonstrated their resilience by coming from behind to draw 1-1 with Stade Malien in Kumasi on Sunday, following a 2-1 win in Bamako during the first leg, thereby securing their place in the semifinals of the competition.
In 2004, Hearts of Oak battled Asante Kotoko in an all-Ghana final of the inaugural CAF Confederation Cup.
After 20 years, Dreams FC have reached the semis. @TheKelOwusu looks at how Dreams are changing the phase of Ghana football. #3Sportspic.twitter.com/5EIJK4ncwh
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) April 9, 2024
The Still Believe lads will take on Egyptian giants Zamalek in the next round of the competition as they aim to clinch the ultimate.
“We will not let the qualification put us down, we are going to prepare,” Zito affirmed in the wake of the win. “I think people will take us seriously now, but we are going for the ultimate.”
Meanwhile, Otto Addo has been appointed as the head coach of the Black Stars on a three-year contract, with Joseph Laumann and John Paintsil serving as assistant coaches and Fatau Dauda taking on the role of goalkeepers’ coach.