In a shocking development for Ghana Premier League strugglers Basake Holy Stars, experienced tactician Augustine Evans Adotey has stepped down from his role as head coach, according to multiple reports citing close sources within the club.
The sexagenarian’s departure comes just weeks after he inked a three-year deal with the Anyinase-based side in September 2025, aimed at stabilizing the newly promoted outfit in their maiden top-flight campaign.
Official confirmation from the club is anticipated imminently, but the news has already sent ripples through the Nzema football community and country’s football space.
Adotey’s tenure, which began with high expectations following his successful stint guiding Medeama SC to their first-ever Ghana Premier League title in 2023 and a CAF Confederation Cup group stage appearance in 2016, has been marred by dismal results.
Holy Stars sit perilously in 17th place (out of 18 teams) with just six points from 10 league outings: a solitary victory, three draws, and six defeats. This poor run has left them teetering on the edge of the relegation zone, having failed to secure a win in their first eight games before finally breaking the drought with a morale-boosting 2-0 home triumph over defending champions Bibiani GoldStars on November 9.
However, subsequent results—a 2-2 draw against Vision FC on November 16 and a heartbreaking 3-2 away loss to Karela United last weekend—have compounded the pressure, with the team now winless in 21 away league matches dating back to prior seasons.
Reports suggest Adotey’s exit was precipitated by a combination of factors, including a string of underwhelming performances and his reported absence without official leave (AWOL) following a 2-1 home defeat to Hearts of Oak in early November.
Earlier in the season, in late October, the club held crisis meetings amid whispers of an impending sacking after Holy Stars mustered only two points from their opening seven fixtures.
Despite Adotey’s wealth of experience—including roles as technical director at Medeama, assistant coach for Ghana’s senior women’s national team (Black Queens), and even a NASCO Coach of the Month award in 2023— he struggled to instill consistency in a squad adjusting to the rigors of elite competition.
Compounding the drama, Holy Stars must now prepare for a blockbuster outstanding fixture against powerhouse Asante Kotoko on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at the AAK II Sports Arena in Ampain (kickoff: 3:00 PM GMT).
Kotoko, managed by the tactically astute Karim Zito, enter unbeaten in the league (5 wins, 4 draws, 0 losses; 19 points, 8th place) and boast a robust defensive record, particularly away from home. Their recent form includes a gritty 0-0 draw at FC Samartex on Sunday, extending their clean-sheet streak on the road.
Holy Stars now faces an interim coaching setup for the immediate future, with potential candidates under consideration to inject fresh ideas and rally the troops.