'It's normal' - Hearts coach Dramani on Zito’s resignation

Hearts of Oak head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani has said he is not surprised by the resignation of Asante Kotoko’s Karim Zito, describing the development as consistent with the nature of football management.

Zito stepped down last week following Kotoko’s elimination from the FA Cup after a 4–2 penalty shootout defeat to Aduana FC at the Baba Yara Stadium. The exit came days after the Porcupine Warriors suffered a 3–1 league defeat to Heart of Lions, leaving them fifth on the Ghana Premier League table with 35 points, just one behind Hearts of Oak.

Speaking to Joy Sports ahead of Sunday’s Super Clash, Dramani reflected on Zito’s departure.

“It’s normal. This is not the first time he has walked off from the coaching industry, and this is not going to be the last time. It’s always like that, and it’s very unfortunate when people don’t understand how the rudiments of the game go,” he said.

Dramani also addressed the wider issue of managerial accountability, arguing that coaches are often unfairly blamed for results.

“Unfortunately, coaches are not responsible for the outcomes of games. But many times they are perceived to be responsible for the outcomes of games,” he said.

“We are very much responsible for the way our teams play, perform, and behave, but the outcome is sometimes very difficult to control because you don’t control the decisions the players make.”

The comments come as both sides prepare to renew their rivalry in Matchday 22 of the Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday.

With just a point separating the two teams in the standings, the latest chapter of Ghana’s fiercest domestic rivalry carries added significance, not only for league positioning but also for pride in Kumasi.