Asante Kotoko’s Ashanti Regional Circles Chairman, Alex Manu, has openly admitted that the club may have acted prematurely in parting ways with legendary figure Abdul Karim Zito.

In a candid reflection on the coach’s departure, Manu suggested that Zito’s deep-rooted history with the Porcupine Warriors should have warranted him more time to turn the tide in Kumasi.

Mr. Zito, a veteran of Kotoko’s 1983 African Champions League-winning side, saw his tenure come to an end on 9 February following a turbulent run of results.

Despite his status as a club icon, the board opted for a change after the side fell eight points behind the league leaders and were eliminated from both domestic and continental competitions.

Speaking to Citi Sports, Manu expressed his belief that the decision-makers may have acted too swiftly, given Zito's unique understanding of the club’s DNA.

He noted that the former manager understood precisely how important the supporters are to the culture of the team and argued that the hierarchy should have exercised significantly more patience before wielding the axe.

While Manu hinted that issues within the playing squad may have contributed to the recent slump, his comments emphasised a growing sentiment that a coach with Zito's connection to the Baba Yara Stadium deserved a longer leash.

The timing of the dismissal leaves the Ghanaian giants in a state of flux. As the club seeks to reset under new leadership, the shadow of the former boss looms large over a campaign that has struggled to meet its usual lofty expectations. 

The statistics behind the decision reveal a story of high pressure, with the team sitting eight points adrift of the top spot following early exits from both the FA Cup and CAF competitions.

This decline in form ultimately outweighed Zito's standing as one of the few men to have won the Champions League for Kotoko as a player.

There is little time for the Kumasi-based club to dwell on "what ifs." Asante Kotoko are currently preparing for the biggest fixture in the Ghanaian football calendar, the Super Clash against Hearts of Oak on February 15.

For the supporters in the Ashanti Region and beyond, the match represents more than just three points; it is a vital test of whether the decision to move on from Zito was a masterstroke or a costly mistake.

As Mr. Manu’s reflections suggest, in a city where victory is a requirement, the hardest thing to find, and the most valuable thing to give, is time.