Karim Zito is keeping his cards close to his chest as speculation intensifies over the future of Asante Kotoko skipper Samba O’Neil, with the Porcupine Warriors facing the very real prospect of losing one of their most dependable figures.
The Congolese centre-back, who arrived in Kumasi in 2024, has grown into a cornerstone of Kotoko’s spine, commanding at the back, vocal in leadership, and surprisingly decisive in front of goal. His influence has stretched beyond defending, turning him into one of the club’s standout performers this season.
However, with his contract ticking towards its end at the conclusion of the 2025/26 campaign, uncertainty is creeping into the Kotoko camp. Talks over a renewal have reportedly hit a wall, with the player said to be unconvinced about committing his future to the Reds beyond the current deal.
Adding fuel to the uncertainty, interest from abroad is gathering momentum. Clubs in South Africa and Tanzania are believed to be circling, ready to table offers that could significantly outstrip what Kotoko can put on the table, a scenario that places the club in a delicate position.
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Kwame Opoku ⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/YO4SWxHEQH— Asante Kotoko SC – 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) February 5, 2026
When asked to shed light on the situation, Zito opted to shut down the conversation, refusing to be drawn into contract politics.
“Nobody knows what is going to happen tomorrow, so let’s put it aside,” he told Graphic Sports.
For now, Kotoko remain focused on the immediate task at hand. O’Neil, who has chipped in with three goals from 19 appearances this season, is expected to wear the armband when the Porcupine Warriors lock horns with Aduana FC in the MTN FA Cup Round of 16 on Sunday at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Behind the scenes, though, the silence from the Kotoko dugout only amplifies the noise around O’Neil’s future, and the club may soon be forced to confront a decision that could shape their defensive core for seasons to come.
