Tinkler says South Africa offer prompted Asante Kotoko resignation

Eric Tinkler says an offer from a South African club was the “main reason” behind his decision to resign as head coach of Asante Kotoko.

The Ghanaian giants confirmed they had agreed to part company with the South African after just two months in charge. Tinkler was appointed in July.

He made the decision to leave last week and informed club chairman James Osei Brown and Sporting Director Stanley Menzo. However, he agreed to remain in the role until Sunday’s Ghana Premier League match against Aduana, which Asante Kotoko lost 2-0.

Tinkler is expected to become head coach of Durban City after the South African club parted ways with Khalil Ben Youssef.

Speaking to the Asante Kotoko squad, Tinkler stressed that his departure was not related to the team’s results or performances.

“Guys [players and staff] you would have obviously been told this morning about me resigning in the statement that came out from the club,” he said.

“That is entirely true. I have handed my resignation but it’s very important for me telling you, it had nothing to do with performance, it had nothing to do with the result.

“This was the decision I had already made last week and obviously the chairman and myself, we’ve managed to keep that very quiet and the request was that I stay until this game which is exactly what happened.

“So, it had no reflection on the fact that we lost this [previous] match and that’s the reason I’m handing my resignation.”

Tinkler said the opportunity to return to South Africa had ultimately influenced his decision to leave Ghana.

“This is the world of football; I was given a good offer to go back to a club in South Africa. And that’s the main reason why I made the decision that I have,” he said.

He also insisted that Asante Kotoko still had the quality to achieve their objectives during the season, despite his departure.

“Football, one day you’re here and the next day you can be up there. Yes, I was target was to get there this season, but I still firmly believe we can, we have enough quality here and with coaches, you can achieve that,” Tinkler said.

Tinkler thanked the players and staff for their support during his brief spell at the club and did not rule out a future return.

“I want to thank you with all the hard work, dedication, respect that you guys showed me during the time that I was here. You never know I might be back because the job is not finished.”