Dreams FC coach Karim Zito points to poor officiating as a key factor behind the team's challenges in the ongoing 2023/24 Ghana Premier League campaign.
Despite possessing a game in hand, the team finds itself in the 14th position on the league table, accruing 31 points thus far.
Zito draws attention to the disparity between the team's domestic performance and their success on the continental stage, attributing this contrast to the demanding schedule of balancing domestic league fixtures with CAF commitments.
The coach underscores the fatigue and pressure experienced by the players due to frequent travel for matches, acknowledging its detrimental impact on their performance.
“There is tiredness and pressure in playing league matches, as well as the Confederation Cup. Travelling is very difficult and we have to travel on Sundays for a match and Wednesdays for midweek games, as well as travelling to play in Africa. It puts a lot of pressure on the boys,” he told Graphic Sports.
The veteran trainer also expressed dissatisfaction with the officiating standards in the Ghana Premier League, citing it as a contributing factor to their lacklustre domestic performance.
However, he maintains optimism regarding their prospects in Africa, noting better playing conditions and officiating standards on the continent.
“Officiating is very bad in the league and it is one of the reasons we are not doing well in the league but in Africa pitches are good and officiating is equally good and that is why we are doing well there,” he added.
Despite their struggles domestically, Dreams FC prepares for a critical encounter against Zamalek SC in the CAF Confederation Cup semifinals.
The first leg is slated to be held at the Cairo International Stadium, with Zito and his squad scheduled to depart Ghana on Thursday for the anticipated showdown.