Hearts of Oak head coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani believes Karim Zito’s decision to step down as Asante Kotoko coach is not unusual and did not come as a surprise.

Zito, who worked with Dramani as an assistant at Kotoko, resigned from his role on Monday after the club was eliminated from the MTN FA Cup in the Round of 16 by Aduana FC last Sunday.

Kotoko’s form has dipped in recent weeks, with the club managing just one win in their last six games. They sit fifth on the league table with 35 points, one behind the Phobians.

Reacting to the news, Dramani said it will not be the last time Zito walks away from a coaching position.

“It’s normal. This is not the first time he has walked off from the coaching industry, and this is not going to be the last time. It's always like that, and it's very unfortunate when people don't understand how the rudiments of the game go,” he told Joy Sports.

“Unfortunately, coaches are not responsible for the outcomes of games. But many times they are perceived to be responsible for the outcomes of games.

“We are very much responsible for the way our teams play, for the way our teams perform, and the way they behave. But the outcome is sometimes very difficult to control because you don't control the decisions the players make.”

'Coaches are not responsible for the outcomes of games.'

Hearts of Oak boss Didi Dramani reacts to the resignation of Karim Zito as Asante Kotoko coach.#JoySports pic.twitter.com/ggCZWbZZuS

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) February 12, 2026

Hearts of Oak will face Kotoko on Sunday in Kumasi in a Ghana Premier League Matchweek 22 fixture, with victory crucial for both sides.