Asante Kotoko coach Abdul-Karim Zito has revealed that he is adopting a calculated approach to squad management as his side navigates the tight schedule of domestic and continental competitions.
The Porcupine Warriors are set to face Nations FC in the Ghana Premier League on Saturday at the Kwame Kyei Sports Complex, with one eye also on their looming CAF Confederation Cup clash against Moroccan powerhouse Wydad Athletic Club.
Zito said the challenge lies in maintaining intensity and freshness across both fronts, noting that his experience has taught him the dangers of stretching a squad too thin.
“I’m trying to economize some of the players,” he said to the press. “I’ve had an experience from Dreams FC chasing Africa and playing in the league, we nearly got relegated. So I’m using that to improve upon what I did there that wasn’t right and do it better here.”
The Kotoko boss explained that strategic rotation will be a defining feature of his game plan as the fixtures pile up:
“Some players will play, some won’t play. Luckily for me, I have about two or three players per position. If I go with one set, I will have a problem.”
Zito’s approach underscores his determination to keep his squad both competitive and injury-free ahead of a grueling month that includes their CAF Confederation Cup first-leg encounter with Wydad on October 19 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
