Former Asante Kotoko coach Seydou Zerbo has accused both Abdul Gazale and goalkeeper’s trainer Issah Najahu of deliberately planning his failure during his tenure at Asante Kotoko.
Zerbo was appointed at the beginning of last season to replace Prosper Narteh Ogum and was tasked to guide the team in their quest to defend the Ghana Premier League title.
However, a series of poor outcomes led to his departure in March as the club gave up on their title hopes.
He was replaced by youth coach Abdul Gazale as an interim boss who took charge until the end of the season managing to finish fourth behind Medeama SC, Aduana Stars, and Bechem United.
While many blamed the coach’s failure on unfavourable refereeing decisions as well as the language barrier due to the gaffer’s inability to speak English, he said his major obstacle to success was the poor environment created by Gazale and Najahu
“The biggest problem I faced at Kotoko was Abdulai Gazale and Issah Najahu, who did not accept my arrival at all. They did everything to ensure my failure,” Zerbo told Kumasi-based Fox FM.
“They are enemies of progress who plotted my downfall. They spent their time making things difficult for me and Islam Nazim at Kotoko.”
“I informed [Chief Executive] Nana Yaw Amponsah, and that is why they brought in Orlando Wellington to assist me. Even after Gazale was removed from the team, he maintained influence over certain players who were aligned with him. Let’s not forget that Najahu was still present as well,” Zerbo further explained.
With nine victories, seven draws, and six defeats, Zerbo left the club in seventh place in the standings with 34 points after 22 matches.
