Ghanaian clubs need financial assistant to perform in continental football - Karim Zito

Published on: 09 May 2024
Ghanaian clubs need financial assistant to perform in continental football - Karim Zito
Karim Zito

Dreams FC coach, Abdul Karim Zito is urging the government to provide substantial financial support to Ghanaian clubs participating in continental competitions.

The "Still Believe" lads represented Ghana in the 2023/24 CAF Confederations Cup, reaching the semifinals in their debut appearance but were eliminated by the formidable Zamalek.

Speaking to Kumasi-based Luv FM, Zito emphasized the necessity of government backing for Ghanaian teams, pointing out that without such support, they will continue to struggle on the continent.

He highlighted the stark difference in facilities and resources between Ghanaian clubs and their counterparts from other countries.

“It was not easy seriously playing in Africa, when you look at the other teams we played, their governments are helping them. And again seriously I’m pleading with the government to come to the aid of Ghana football or else we will not go anywhere," he said.

"If the government doesn't come in, for me we should stop football for at least ten years and bring all the stakeholders on board to fashion out what to do to make the teams sustainable financially. Because of what I saw in other countries and venues, in Tunisia for instance in the dressing room they have a swimming pool just for ice baths...In Angola, the coaches’ office alone is more than a dressing room of a club in Ghana. We really have a long way to go if we want to make an impression on the continent."

Zito suggested that if direct government funding is not feasible, alternative methods like offering tax rebates to multinational companies in exchange for sponsoring clubs could be explored. This, he believes, would allow for better salaries for players and overall improvement in the attractiveness of the local game.

“Government can talk to the Coca-Cola Company in Ghana [for instance] and tell them I want you to sponsor the league or our clubs, then we [government] offer you tax subsidies or exemptions. When this happens players' salaries will increase and the boys will be okay to stay to make the local game attractive."

He emphasized the need for better financial support for players, stating that it's unsustainable for premier division players to earn as little as Gh500.00 without government intervention. Without significant changes, he warned that Ghanaian football will struggle to compete on the continental stage.

"How can a premier division player be earning Gh500.00? If the government doesn’t come in I’m telling you we are doomed when it comes to football on the continent," he added.

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