Former Asante Kotoko head coach Karim Zito has revealed in an emotional interview that the intense physical and emotional demands of managing the club ultimately made him medically unfit, prompting his recent resignation.
Speaking candidly, Zito shared that he only discovered the full extent of the damage to his health after a routine medical check-up shortly following his departure from Kotoko. The experienced gaffer, who guided the Porcupine Warriors to the MTN FA Cup title after taking over mid-season, described the job as all-consuming.
“I was fortunate for the timely check-up,” Zito recounted. “The doctor told me that I was medically unfit. I had ignored the warning signs of stress while fully immersed in my duties.”
He explained that the role left him isolated and overwhelmed, with football dominating every aspect of his life. “I was living, eating, and talking alone,” he said. “I only saw my family on five occasions during my time at Kotoko.” The pressure of leading one of Ghana’s most storied and demanding clubs meant personal time and rest were sacrificed almost entirely.
Zito acknowledged that while he achieved notable success — including lifting the FA Cup — the constant strain eventually took a silent but severe toll on his well-being. “The very job I loved had become a silent threat to my health,” he admitted.
The revelation has sparked wider conversation about the mental and physical health of coaches in high-pressure environments like the Ghana Premier League, where expectations at top clubs such as Asante Kotoko are exceptionally high. Many supporters and pundits have praised Zito for his openness, viewing it as a courageous step toward destigmatising discussions around coaching stress and burnout.
Zito expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Kotoko and wished the club continued success. He has not yet indicated his next move in football but emphasised that health must now be his priority.
The disclosure serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost behind the glamour of top-flight football management in Ghana.
