Dreams FC head coach, Abdul Karim Zito, sees the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) recent ban on Ghana’s Baba Yara Stadium as a much-needed wake-up call for the country’s football authorities.
CAF revoked its approval of the iconic stadium, citing ongoing concerns with the playing surface, leaving Ghana scrambling to find an alternative venue outside the country for the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
Zito, who also serves as the coach for Ghana’s national U19 team, believes this decision should push football authorities to confront and resolve the long-standing issues affecting the nation’s sporting infrastructure, particularly the poor state of its pitches.
He emphasised the impact these substandard playing conditions have on players’ performance, especially for the Black Stars.
According to Zito, players who are used to world-class facilities abroad struggle to adapt when forced to compete on deteriorating pitches at home, affecting both their comfort and gameplay.
While the ban is a blow to Ghanaian football, Zito hopes it will prompt lasting improvements in stadium management across the country.
“Our players are used to quality pitches outside, so they feel uncomfortable when they come home to play, as they are afraid of getting injured,” he told Joy Sports.
Reflecting on the Angola match, he pointed out how the poor pitch affected Abdul Mumin’s failed clearance, leading to a goal.
“For these reasons, I’m okay with the CAF ban because it will force us to do the right thing,” Zito added, expressing hope that this move will lead to much-needed improvements in Ghana’s football infrastructure.