BREAKING: Eric Tinkler set for Durban City job after leaving Asante Kotoko

Eric Tinkler is set to return to South Africa and take charge of Durban City following his departure from Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko, AfricaSoccer.com can report.

The development comes shortly after Asante Kotoko confirmed that they had agreed to release the South African coach from his contract with immediate effect.

Tinkler’s exit was announced on Monday, September 28, 2026, less than 24 hours after the Porcupine Warriors suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Aduana FC in the Ghana Premier League.

The club said Tinkler requested to be released for personal reasons after both parties held discussions aimed at preventing his departure at this stage of his tenure.

His next move is expected to be Durban City, with the South African club also searching for a new head coach after parting ways with Tunisian tactician Khalil Ben Youssef on Saturday.

Ben Youssef was dismissed after only three months in charge. He had overseen seven Betway Premiership matches, winning one, drawing four and losing two, while also guiding City through their successful CAF Confederation Cup preliminary-round tie against Rukinzo FC.

Tinkler is no stranger to Durban City, having previously been strongly linked with the club before they appointed Ben Youssef in June.

Reports at the time indicated that the former Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United coach had been among the leading candidates for the position.

The expected appointment would therefore mark a return to South African football for Tinkler after his brief spell in Ghana with Asante Kotoko.

Tinkler joined Kotoko with significant expectations and guided the club at the start of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League campaign.

However, his tenure has now ended after the club’s latest setback against Aduana FC.

The Porcupine Warriors currently have to regroup ahead of their next league assignment, while Durban City are preparing for the continuation of their domestic campaign and CAF Confederation Cup journey.

If completed, Tinkler’s move will also bring an interesting twist to the coaching carousel in South Africa, with Durban City losing one coach and potentially replacing him with another experienced South African tactician within days.