Zito backs Kwesi Appiah for Ghana job

Former Asante Kotoko coach Karim Zito has urged Ghana Football Association to appoint Kwesi Appiah as Avram Grant’s successor.

The Black Stars are without a head coach after the former Chelsea manager parted ways with the football association following the expiration of his 26-month contract in February.

Appiah, who currently trains Sudanese side Al Khartoum, led Ghana between 2012 and 2014. He officially submitted his application for the vacant job this week and has been highly tipped to win race.

“I will be the happiest person if Kwesi Appiah is given the Black Stars job," Zito told Asempa FM.

"I think it is time we give our local coaches more chance to lead the Black Stars. When we go into the history of our football, the four Africa Cup of Nations trophies that we have won in the past were won by local coaches.

"And after thirty five years, we have tried to win the Afcon trophy again with foreign coaches but they continue to fail us. So why don’t we go back to our roots and support the local coaches, with Kwesi Appiah the best option for now?

“I believe when we give local coaches time and support, they can win the trophy,” he added.

During Appiah's first stint with the Black Stars, he recorded a total of 12 victories, ten defeats and five draws. He also guided the team to a semi-final qualification at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Ghana have appointed 31 coaches since 1958, including 23 foreign and eight locals.

Ghana FA is expected to announce the new coach before the end of March.