Tinkler poised to reunite with Peral at Asante Kotoko

Eric Tinkler is considering bringing former Cape Town City colleague Diogo Peral into his coaching staff at Asante Kotoko, with the move expected to be completed in the coming days or weeks.

Tinkler took charge of the Ghanaian giants a fortnight ago after several months without a club following his departure from Sekhukhune United towards the end of last season. The former Bafana Bafana international is now preparing for a new challenge with the Porcupine Warriors, whose season begins at the start of September.

Asante Kotoko described the appointment as a major addition when it was announced.

“The appointment brings to the Porcupine Warriors family a world-class coach of proven pedigree, extensive top-flight experience, and a distinguished playing career at the highest level of the game,” read a club statement at the time.

With the new campaign approaching, Tinkler is using the pre-season period to assemble and shape his technical team. Sources indicate that he has identified Peral as a potential assistant, having worked closely with him during his most recent spell at Cape Town City.

Peral ended a decade-long association with City recently, having held a number of coaching positions at the club. His roles included head coach of the DStv Diski Challenge side and caretaker manager of the first team.

He took temporary charge of the senior team after Tinkler left the Citizens on 31 December 2024. Cape Town City had endured a difficult opening to that season, a poor run that ultimately contributed to their relegation from the elite division.

Although an agreement has not yet been confirmed, there is growing expectation that Peral will join Asante Kotoko as Tinkler’s assistant. A deal could be concluded within the next few days or, at the latest, in the coming weeks.

The proposed appointment would mark a significant change of surroundings for Peral. The relatively understated coach has established a reputation as a one-club man during his career with Cape Town City and has spent 10 years working at the South African club.

A move to Ghana would therefore be his first venture beyond South Africa in professional coaching. It would also reunite him with Tinkler as the pair begin a new project at one of Ghana’s most prominent clubs.

Tinkler’s appointment followed his separation from Sekhukhune United, where he remained until late last season. His arrival at Asante Kotoko has created an opportunity to rebuild the club’s technical structure before the September start, with Peral now emerging as the leading candidate to join him.

At this stage, however, the move remains pending and neither the coach nor the club has formally confirmed the appointment.