Former Asante Kotoko midfielder Michael Akuffu has warned the current players to up their game as Abdul-Karim Zito assumes the reins as interim coach.
He said the appointment of the Dreams FC coach as the replacement of Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum, who has been at the helm for the past two years, must be a wake-up call to the current crop of players, especially those who have relaxed in their positions.
Akuffu, who was speaking on Onua Sports Center on Onua FM on Tuesday, April 22, is convinced Zito will instill discipline in the squad.
Karim Zito was handed a two-year contract after being appointed as the Technical Director of the club.
He will also serve as interim coach until a substantive one is appointed.
Akuffu, who played under the coach while at Feyenoord, says the former Black Satellites coach is a disciplinarian and will not tolerate any below-par performance from the players.
“He doesn’t play with his job and he doesn’t care whether you are Messi or Ronaldo.
“For him, if you deserve to play, he will play you and that what makes coaches get results most of the time in teams.”
He later added: “I think this will be a wake-up call to all the players who have relaxed or those who think they are already in the team and no body can take them out.
“He is a new coach and he is bringing his own system and his own philosophy, so if he sees that you are not going to help in the growth of the club, he will just put you aside and put players who are ready to fight for the club.”
Former Asante Kotoko midfielder Michael Akuffu believes the club can win the Ghana Premier League and the MTN FA Cup this season despite recent changes to their technical set-up.#OnuaSports pic.twitter.com/B4LujFH128
— #OnuaSports (@OnuaSports) April 23, 2025
