Ashanti Gold 04 head coach Karim Zito has come out in staunch defence of Kwasi Sibo, insisting the Ghana international should not be vilified for choosing what he considers the most advantageous path for his career.
Sibo’s reported $10 million transfer from Spanish outfit Real Oviedo to Libyan champions Al-Swehly has sparked considerable debate, particularly after the midfielder’s involvement in Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in North America.
While some observers have questioned the wisdom of a move to Libyan football at this stage of Sibo’s career, Zito believes the 28-year-old is perfectly entitled to put his professional and financial interests first.
The veteran coach argued that footballers must be prepared to make decisions that safeguard their own futures rather than rely solely on assurances from others.
“I’m 100% behind Kwasi Sibo. If you don’t fight for yourself now, nobody will fight for you,” he told 3Sports.
Zito’s defence was rooted in a broader scepticism about the promises routinely made to players, suggesting that footballers cannot afford to gamble their futures on commitments that may ultimately amount to little.
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He cited the unresolved pledge of houses reportedly made to Ghana’s players following an Africa Cup of Nations triumph as an example of why players must remain pragmatic when assessing career opportunities.
“Even when Ghana won the AFCON, they promised to be given houses; it did not come. What is the motive of playing football?” he quizzed.
Sibo arrives at Al-Swehly with his reputation enhanced by a substantial World Cup role. The midfielder accumulated 249 minutes across four matches for the Black Stars, starting the 0-0 stalemate against England and featuring against Panama, Croatia and Colombia.
His move to Libya now represents a markedly different chapter in his career, with the midfielder expected to become a central figure in Al-Swehly’s ambitions both domestically and on the continental stage.
The Libyan champions are preparing for their CAF Champions League campaign, where they will meet Zanzibar’s KVZ in the preliminary round.
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For Sibo, the move offers the opportunity to become one of the leading figures at a club with continental aspirations, while also securing what is reportedly a lucrative financial package.
His next international chapter, however, remains uncertain. Ghana are due to begin their preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign next month, but it is yet to be established whether head coach Carlos Queiroz will retain Sibo in his squad.
For now, Zito believes the midfielder owes no apology for betting on himself.
