Dreams FC tactician Karim Zito not worried after Coach of the Year nomination snub

Head coach of Dreams FC, Abdul Karim Zito was left out of the CAF Men’s Coach of the Year award list announced on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

Many anticipated for Zito’s inclusion in the final shortlist for the prestigious prize after leading the Still Believe lads to an impressive run in their maiden participation in the CAF Confederation Cup last season.

The current Ghana FA holders defied all odds to reach the semifinals of CAF’s second elite club competition for the first time in their history. They were denied a place in the finals after succumbing to a defeat to Egyptian powerhouse, Zamalek, the eventual winners of the trophy.

Despite Zito’s impressive performances, the Ghanaian trainer did not make the cut as CAF unveiled a list of 10 nominees.

Zito affirmed his not perturbed by his omission from the Coach of the Year nominees.

“I was expecting a nomination because of my performance last season. I would have been happy if I had earned nomination. Truth be told, I’m not worried missing out on the list” he said.

Meanwhile, his compatriot, Kwesi Appiah has been nominated for the prestigeuos following his exploits with the Sudan national team.

Appiah is in contention for the prize alongside Emerse Fae, the coach who led the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team. The CAF Awards will be held in Morocco in mid-December this year.

Other coaches nominated for the top award include, Pedro Goncalves of Angola, Brahima Traore of Burkina Faso, Marcel Koller (Al Ahly), Hugo Broos (South Africa), Jose Gomez (Zamalek), Sebastien Desabre (DR Congo), Florent Ibenge (Al Hilal), Chiquinho Conde ( Mozambique).