Abdul Karim Zito, coach of Ghana’s national under-19 team, has come to the defense of Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah, who is under fire for holding dual roles as coach and a member of the Executive Council (ExCo) of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

Appiah, a former Ghana Black Stars coach, is facing calls to resign from the ExCo due to potential conflicts of interest, especially with Ghana and Sudan drawn in the same group for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

In an interview with Graphic Sports, Zito emphasized that Appiah is a professional who should be allowed to perform his duties without unnecessary interference.

“People are talking about Kwesi Appiah, but I don’t see why they should be talking about him. Those in the ExCo, are they not having clubs? Kwesi is a professional coach and the ExCo doesn’t pay him,” he said.

Zito highlighted that Appiah’s coaching role does not conflict with his ExCo position, noting that the ExCo members were aware of his coaching commitments when he ran for and won his election.

“The ExCo knew Kwesi was still in coaching, and yet they allowed him to stand for election, which he won before he had this opportunity,” Zito explained.

He pointed out the perceived hypocrisy in demanding Appiah’s resignation while other ExCo members also have club affiliations. Zito supported Appiah’s right to maintain both roles and urged him to focus on his coaching responsibilities.

“For me, I am behind Kwesi one hundred percent. He should keep quiet and do his job. If he is able to beat us, fine; and if we also beat him, fine,” Zito concluded, expressing confidence in Appiah’s abilities and the competitive nature of football.