BY Issah Olegor
Kumasi giants Asante Kotoko SC have appointed assistant coach Hamza Obeng as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season, following yet another managerial shake-up at the club.
The decision comes at a critical stage of the campaign, with the Porcupine Warriors seeking stability after a series of disruptions in the technical team.
Hamza Obeng’s appointment follows the resignation of Prince Yaw Owusu, who had been serving in an interim capacity after stepping in for former head coach Karim Zito.
Karim Zito himself vacated the role earlier in the season following Kotoko’s disappointing FA Cup exit to Aduana FC at the Baba Yara Stadium — a defeat that triggered a chain of changes within the club’s technical hierarchy.
Yaw Owusu’s tenure, though brief, was marked by inconsistent results in the league, ultimately prompting his decision to step aside.
In an official statement, the club confirmed that he had tendered his resignation voluntarily, citing the best interest of the team as his primary motivation.
His departure leaves Kotoko searching for renewed direction as they approach the final stretch of the season.
A Return To Internal Solutions
In response, Kotoko have opted for continuity by promoting from within, handing responsibility to Hamza Obeng, who has been in charge of the club’s youth team, the Young Porcupines.
The move reflects a growing reliance on internal structures as the club looks to steady performances without further disruption.
Obeng is now tasked with guiding the senior team through the remaining fixtures, with expectations focused on restoring consistency and finishing the season on a strong note. His familiarity with the club’s philosophy and emerging talents could prove vital in navigating the closing weeks of the campaign.
League Standing And Immediate Challenge
After 29 matches in the Ghana Premier League, Asante Kotoko currently sit sixth on the table with 43 points — a position that falls short of the club’s traditional ambitions of competing for the title. With only a handful of games remaining, Obeng faces the immediate challenge of improving results and possibly pushing for a higher finish.
The situation highlights a turbulent season for Kotoko, who began the campaign with high expectations but have struggled to maintain momentum. Frequent changes in leadership have disrupted tactical continuity and squad cohesion, contributing to their inconsistent form.
A Season of Instability
Kotoko’s struggles this season mirror broader concerns about long-term planning and managerial stability at the club. The departure of Karim Zito following the FA Cup defeat marked the beginning of a period of uncertainty, with Prince Yaw Owusu unable to fully stabilize performances during his interim spell.
The decision to now entrust Hamza Obeng with the role signals a shift toward rebuilding from within, particularly by integrating youth development into the senior team’s approach.
The Young Porcupines have been a key part of Kotoko’s future planning, and Obeng’s promotion may offer a bridge between the club’s developmental ambitions and immediate competitive needs.
