Asante Kotoko Sporting Club remain on the lookout for a substantive head coach after enduring a disappointing 2025/26 Ghana Premier League campaign that ended without silverware and left the club searching for a fresh direction.
The Porcupine Warriors, Ghana’s most successful football club with a record 25 Ghana Premier League titles, have yet to appoint a permanent manager following a season marked by instability in the technical department. As preparations begin for the new campaign, the club’s hierarchy continues to evaluate potential candidates capable of restoring Kotoko to the summit of Ghanaian football.
Among the names now linked with the vacant position is former Kotoko head coach Zdravko Logarušić, who has openly expressed his willingness to return to the club if an opportunity presents itself.
The experienced Croatian tactician, who previously managed the Kumasi-based giants, says he still holds Ghana close to his heart and would welcome the chance to work in the country once again.
Kotoko searching for stability
The search for a new coach follows a turbulent campaign in which Asante Kotoko struggled to find consistency both on and off the pitch.
The club began the 2025/26 season under the guidance of Abdul Karim Zito, who was tasked with leading the team back into title contention. However, results failed to meet expectations, prompting the club’s management to make changes before the end of the campaign.
Prince Yaw Owusu, who initially served as Zito’s assistant, was promoted to take charge following the dismissal of his predecessor. His appointment was expected to spark an improvement in performances, but the hoped-for turnaround never materialised.
Owusu’s spell also proved to be short-lived, leaving Kotoko once again searching for solutions as the season progressed.
Eventually, youth team coach Hamza Obeng stepped in on an interim basis to oversee the first team during the closing stages of the campaign.
Despite his efforts, Kotoko were unable to climb the league table significantly and ultimately finished eighth, far below the expectations of the club’s supporters and management.
For a club with Kotoko’s rich history and tradition, an eighth-place finish represented a major disappointment and reinforced the need for experienced leadership ahead of the new season.
A club eager to return to the top
Asante Kotoko remain one of the biggest football institutions in Africa. With 25 league titles, numerous domestic cups, and two CAF Champions League crowns, the Porcupine Warriors possess a history that demands success every season.
However, recent years have been challenging. The club has now gone four consecutive seasons without winning the Ghana Premier League, a drought that has increased pressure on the board to appoint the right coach capable of ending the wait for another championship.
Supporters have grown increasingly frustrated by inconsistent performances, frequent managerial changes, and the club’s inability to challenge consistently for major honours.
Management believes appointing an experienced and accomplished coach will provide the stability needed to rebuild the squad and restore confidence within the team. That search has naturally brought several names into consideration, including one familiar to the Kotoko faithful.
Logarušić ready for a return
Zdravko Logarušić has confirmed he would gladly consider a return to Ghana should the right opportunity arise. The Croatian coach, who has managed several clubs and national teams during his career, insists his affection for Ghana remains as strong as ever.
Speaking in an interview with Martin Tawiah on GhanaSportsPage.com, Logarušić revealed that he continues to receive interest from clubs in Ghana and remains open to negotiations.
“Ghana is my second home, more like my second love having lived there for three years.”
The statement reflects the strong bond he developed during his time working in the country, where he earned admiration for his tactical knowledge and passionate approach to coaching. Even after leaving Ghana, Logarušić has maintained a close connection with the country’s football community.
Open to Kotoko or Hearts
The experienced coach made it clear that he is not limiting his options. While many fans associate him with Asante Kotoko, Logarušić says he would be willing to negotiate with any ambitious Ghanaian club.
“I’m open to negotiating with any club in Ghana. We have some teams growing well like Medeama. Kotoko and Hearts are traditional powerhouse,” he said.
His comments underline his respect for Ghana’s football landscape, particularly the country’s biggest clubs and the emerging projects being developed by sides such as Medeama.
Nevertheless, his remarks about Kotoko are likely to attract the greatest attention, given his previous association with the club.
Aware of the pressure at Kotoko
Logarušić also acknowledged that returning to Asante Kotoko would come with enormous expectations.
Managing one of Africa’s most successful clubs is never an easy task, and the Croatian understands better than most the unique challenges that accompany the position.
“Either Asante Kotoko or Hearts of Oak, am ready. I know the level of pressure at Kotoko, especially outside of the field, politics, and supporters, but if the offer comes, why not? Let’s see,” His comments demonstrate both realism and confidence.
He recognises that coaching Kotoko involves much more than preparing the team for matches. The intense scrutiny from supporters, constant media attention, and internal expectations create an environment where results are demanded immediately. Despite these pressures, Logarušić believes he has the experience needed to succeed.
Already receiving calls
The Croatian also disclosed that discussions involving Ghana have already begun, although no agreement has yet been reached.
“I already receive calls from Ghana, but let’s wait to see in the next 7 to 10-days, what happens?” Zdravko concluded.
His remarks suggest that developments could unfold in the coming days as clubs continue finalising their plans ahead of pre-season. Whether those conversations involve Asante Kotoko or another Ghanaian club remains unclear.
However, his willingness to return has undoubtedly added another interesting dimension to Kotoko’s ongoing search for a permanent manager.
What Kotoko need moving forward
The next appointment could prove one of the most important decisions the club has made in recent years.
Kotoko require a coach capable of rebuilding confidence after an underwhelming campaign while also creating a style of football that can compete for domestic honours and perform strongly in continental competitions. Consistency will be equally important.
The frequent managerial changes of recent seasons have prevented the club from establishing a long-term football identity. Appointing a coach with a clear philosophy and giving him adequate time to implement his ideas could be essential if Kotoko are to return to the top.
Recruitment during the transfer window will also play a significant role. The new manager is expected to work closely with the club’s hierarchy to strengthen key areas of the squad and build a team capable of challenging for the Ghana Premier League title. Supporters will be hoping the mistakes of previous seasons are not repeated.
An intriguing possibility
For now, Asante Kotoko continue evaluating their options as they search for the right man to lead the club into a new era.
Zdravko Logarušić’s public declaration that he remains interested in coaching in Ghana has inevitably placed him among the names that supporters will discuss in the coming weeks.
His experience, familiarity with Ghanaian football, and understanding of the expectations surrounding clubs like Kotoko make him an intriguing candidate should the club decide to revisit a familiar face.
Whether a return ultimately materialises remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the Croatian has left the door wide open.
As the Porcupine Warriors look to end four seasons without a league title and restore themselves to the summit of Ghanaian football, the appointment of their next head coach will be closely watched across the country.
The coming days could therefore prove decisive, not only for Asante Kotoko’s future but also for the possibility of seeing one of the club’s former managers return to the dugout for another chapter in one of Ghana football’s biggest stories.
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