Asante Kotoko head coach Abdul Karim Zito has admitted his side will need time to build cohesion following a dramatic summer overhaul that saw 14 players shipped out and replaced ahead of the new season.

The Porcupine Warriors, who are preparing for a campaign that includes the Ghana Premier League, MTN FA Cup, and CAF Confederation Cup, have already shown mixed form in preseason. While they lifted both the President’s Cup and the Toyota Cup, they struggled in the GHALCA Top 4, losing all three matches.

Zito, however, urged patience as his new-look squad settles in.

“When you are with a lot of new players, it takes time to gel because adaptation is not easy, and the level of intelligence is not the same.

Even the Europeans will tell you that some can take up to a whole season before the team will gel the way you want it,” he said.

The veteran coach acknowledged the challenge but stressed that Kotoko must stay competitive in the meantime:

“There is nothing you can do. We have to fight and fight hard and then adjust our thinking, adjust our attitude towards the league and then the Confederation Cup.”

Kotoko begin their Ghana Premier League campaign on Sunday with a tricky trip to Berekum Chelsea, before hosting Kwara United in Accra on September 21 in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round.

Due to their continental involvement, two league fixtures — a home clash with champions Bibiani Gold Stars and a trip to Basake Holy Stars — have been postponed indefinitely.