Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko name South African trainer Eric Tinkler as new head coach

Asante Kotoko have confirmed the appointment of experienced South African coach Eric Tinkler as the club’s new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 football season.

The Porcupine Warriors announced the arrival of the Portuguese-South African tactician, who takes charge with immediate effect as the club continues preparations for the new campaign.

Tinkler joins the Ghanaian giants with a wealth of experience spanning more than 30 years in professional football, having built an impressive résumé as both a player and a coach.

The former Bafana Bafana captain has managed several top-flight South African clubs, including Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United, Cape Town City, Maritzburg United and Bidvest Wits. During his coaching career, he steered Orlando Pirates to the CAF Champions League final and guided SuperSport United to the CAF Confederation Cup final.

His achievements also include lifting multiple domestic trophies, among them the MTN8 and the Telkom Knockout, cementing his reputation as one of South Africa’s most accomplished coaches.

As a player, Tinkler enjoyed a distinguished international career with South Africa, earning 48 caps and captaining the national team. He featured at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and was part of the historic Bafana Bafana side that won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.

At club level, he played in England, Italy and Portugal, representing Barnsley, Cagliari and Vitória de Setúbal.

Kotoko believe Tinkler’s appointment underlines the club’s determination to establish a strong technical setup capable of challenging for both domestic and continental honours. He is expected to work closely with Director of Football Stanley Menzo Purl as the club continues to strengthen its football structure.

Board Chairman James Osei Brown welcomed the new coach, describing him as a proven winner with an outstanding ability to nurture talent.

“Eric brings a wealth of experience, discipline and winning pedigree to our technical bench. His track record of developing players and delivering results at the highest level in African football makes him the right man to lead our team at this important time,” Brown said.

Reacting to his appointment, Tinkler expressed his delight at joining one of the continent’s most successful clubs and pledged to build a competitive side capable of delivering success.

“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 is well known across the continent. 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,” Tinkler said.