Former Ghana Black Satellites coach Abdul Karim Zito has opened up about his decision not to apply for the Black Stars coaching job when it became vacant in January 2024, citing his desire to protect Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kurt Okraku, from undue criticism.

Speaking on a Prime Take interview with Muftawu Nabila Abdulai which will broadcast on Friday at 7:30 am on the AM Show,  Saturday at 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 11 am, Zito expressed his deep respect for Okraku and the unfair perception that their relationship grants him preferential treatment.

"I've never been considered for the Black Stars role because Kurt is the president, but I'm happy. I'm okay with it. People don't really know Kurt. Let me tell you something—how he treats me is the same way he treats other coaches when it comes to the job. People think I get preferential treatment. No, I don't," he revealed.

The Dreams FC manager denied that his repeated appointments to national team roles are due to his close ties with Okraku.

"Kurt didn’t give me a job because I’m his boy; he gave me the job because of my ability and capability as a coach. Are you saying Kurt doesn’t want results? He would face more criticism than I would if I didn’t perform," he argued.

Recounting how he began working as a national team coach, he said "I was given the national team job by [former GFA president] Mr. Nyantakyi when he [Kurt] was the Executive Council member. You’ve known me for a while—do I deserve to be a national team coach or not? Per your assessment of my work over the years. I can proudly say I’m the best youth coach in Ghana. If you have someone capable, why go hunting for a coach elsewhere when one of your own can deliver and bring results?" he quizzed.

"He wants the best that's why I keep getting national team jobs," he stated.

Zito has an incredible CV ranging from GHALCA 8 competition won in 2018, WAFU B U20 and AFCON U20 gold medals, MTN FA Cup title and Dreams FC's recent performance in the CAF Confederation Cup when the team reached the semi-final.

Former Ghana legend, Mohammed Polo in an earlier interview on Prime Take said Zito was good enough to coach the senior national team, Black Stars. However, he did not apply when the role became vacant following the sacking of Chris Hughton in January this year.

He explained that, his love for Kurt is the reason.

"When we failed at the AFCON, there were insults all round. Applying for the Black Stars job would have been like adding salt to the wound. Imagine if people heard that Zito had applied for the job—Kurt would die. He’s a human being. I don’t want him to die, so I had to say no, even if it meant harming my own career."

"I know I am qualified [to manage the Black Stars], but I didn't.  Results make a good coach, and I keep getting the results. The criteria they brought—I qualified. I’ve been coaching since 1988. What more do I need to prove?" he questioned.

"Even those who set the criteria—I was coaching before some of them were born. Why did Maxwell [Konadu] get the job, why did [Ibrahim] Tanko get it, but not Zito? If it's about qualifications, I qualify. But this is Ghana, so I have to think carefully before applying for anything."

Prime Take airs every Friday at 7:30 am, Saturday at 7:30 pm, and Sunday at at 11 am.