Eric Tinkler has wasted little time outlining his vision after taking charge of Asante Kotoko, insisting his mission is to restore the Porcupine Warriors as a dominant force in Ghana and a serious contender across Africa.
The experienced South African tactician, who has officially been unveiled as the club’s head coach ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, says he is determined to assemble a side capable of delivering success on every front.
Speaking after his appointment, Tinkler expressed his delight at joining one of the continent’s most celebrated clubs and pledged to embrace the responsibility that comes with leading the Ghanaian giants.
“I am honoured and excited to join one of Africa’s most storied football institutions. Asante Kotoko’s rich history, passion for success, and ambition for development are not hidden in Africa. I look forward to working with the players, staff, and management to build a team that can compete and win, both at home and on the continental stage. I feel proud to be associated with this great club at this historical moment,” he said.
Tinkler takes over with a wealth of experience built across South African football, having held managerial roles at Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United, Cape Town City, Maritzburg United and Bidvest Wits.
His coaching résumé boasts an appearance in the CAF Champions League final with Orlando Pirates and a run to the CAF Confederation Cup final with SuperSport United. He has also collected several domestic trophies, including the MTN8 and Telkom Knockout, underlining his reputation as one of South Africa’s accomplished coaches.
Before embarking on a successful career in the dugout, Tinkler enjoyed an illustrious playing career. The former midfielder captained South Africa, earned 48 international caps and featured at the 1998 FIFA World Cup. He was also a member of the Bafana Bafana squad that lifted the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations title.
At club level, his playing journey took him across Europe, where he turned out for English side Barnsley as well as Italian outfit Cagliari, alongside spells in Portugal.
Kotoko are expected to begin preparations for the new season in the coming days, with Tinkler set to oversee his first training sessions as he begins the task of shaping a squad capable of challenging for major honours at home and on the African stage.
