Soccer News of Sunday, 13 August 2006

Source: GNA

Coach Zito hits out at critics

Kumasi, Aug 13, GNA 96 Abdul Karim Zito, Head Coach of Kumasi King Faisal Football Club has stated that it was not true that the team's performance had taken a nosedive since he took charge of the Club's affairs some months ago.

He said supporters of the Club should therefore shun utterances and moves that tend to derail the team's focus as they seek to finish among the top four clubs in the 2006/2007 One-Touch Premier League. Some supporters of the Club are alleged to have recently called for the replacement of Coach Zito, citing what they said was a string of inconsistent performances exhibited by him in matches the team had played so far.

Coach Zito in an interview with to the GNA Sports in Kumasi therefore urged supporters of the Club to rally solidly behind the team as the technical men was pursuing a rebuilding process following the transfer of some key players to other clubs.

The Faisal Coach said despite the departure of dedicated and experienced players such as Shilla Illiasu, Habib Mohammed, Abubakari Yakubu and Eric Gawu, which had significantly affected the team's performance, he was hopeful to find worthy replacements before the league commences.

Faisal will face an uphill task when they lock horns with Bofoakwa Tano at the Sunyani Coronation Park in their opening match of the One-Touch League on Sunday, August 20.

Faisal has decided to adopt the use of the Sunyani coronation Park as their home grounds following the renovation of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi in preparation towards the hosting of the African Cup of Nations (CAN) 2008 by Ghana.

With the loss of some of their key players, the team will be looking up to the likes of Baba Iddi, Samed Oppong, John Kuffuor, Micky Ofosu and Awal Mohammed to salvage the dwindling fortunes of the Club. Coach Zito entreated supporters of the Club to be committed to the rebuilding process of Faisal to enable the team become a formidable side. 13 Aug. 06