Abdul-Karim Zito, head coach of Dreams FC, has expressed frustration with the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) for consistently overlooking him in their awards scheme, despite his significant contributions to Ghanaian football in recent years.

Zito, who has been instrumental in both national and club football, believes he has been unfairly excluded from SWAG's recognition, despite his impressive track record.

He particularly highlighted his achievements in 2020, where he led the Black Satellites to victory in the WAFU U-20 Championship in Benin and subsequently triumphed in the Africa Youth Championship in Mauritania.

In the previous season, Zito guided Dreams FC to victory in the FA Cup, defeating reigning champions Hearts of Oak.

This achievement earned Dreams FC a spot in the CAF Confederations Cup, where they are currently performing well, with a recent first-leg win against Stade Malien in Bamako.

Speaking on Onua TV, Zito criticized SWAG's awards scheme, expressing disappointment with their perceived disrespect towards his achievements.

He stated that despite his consistent success, SWAG has consistently overlooked him for awards, causing him great pain.

"Last year (2023), there was a media house that selected their top 5 coaches. I wasn't even named among the top 5. Anytime SWAG nominate me, they overlook me for the award," he fumed on Onua TV

Zito declared his decision not to attend any SWAG events in the future, emphasizing that he would decline any nominations from the association.

"So I have taken the decision not to attend any SWAG event event if I am nominated. Because, I know I will be overlooked for others perhaps underserving.

He expressed frustration at being repeatedly denied recognition, despite his undeniable contributions to Ghanaian football.

"For 13 years, we had been in the wilderness until I won the WAFU Zone B for Ghana and eventually won the CAF U20 AFCON. But they handed the individual award to a coach aspiring to win a league in Ghana. You've sparked sadness in me this morning talking about this, I feel pain!

While acknowledging some journalists' growing recognition of his efforts, Zito lamented the lack of acknowledgment from SWAG.

"So I've decided that SWAG should not call me again regarding any of their event. There is no way I will go! They should not even nominate again!!

He questioned whether his exclusion from awards consideration was due to bias against him or his club, Dreams FC.

"Three times I've been there, three times I've been denied. Meanwhile I am not there because I am Karim Zito, I am there because of my performance.

Despite his grievances with SWAG, Zito remains focused on his team's upcoming match against Stade Malien in the CAF Confederations Cup.

"So it's true! I don't know if it's because of where I come from (referring to Dreams FC). But I am happy that gradually some of you (journalists) are understanding me and now seeing exactly what I am doing for Ghana football."

His dedication to Dreams FC's success underscores his commitment to Ghanaian football, regardless of external recognition.