Eric Tinkler embraces Kotoko rebuild challenge before 2026/27

Eric Tinkler has welcomed the challenge of improving Asante Kotoko after the club endured a difficult campaign and finished eighth in the league last season. The South African coach was appointed at the end of that season to lead a rebuilding project ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Tinkler said during a media interaction on Tuesday that demanding assignments have been a consistent source of motivation throughout his coaching career. He has worked for 14 years and has previously taken charge of teams involved in relegation fights, helping them avoid going down.

He also recalled joining a newly formed club with only five players available. That team eventually ended the season in third place and secured qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup. Tinkler said the experience strengthened his willingness to take on projects that require a team to be built from the ground up.

His work has included developing an academy during his time at Wits University. At club level, he guided Orlando Pirates to the CAF Champions League final and led SuperSport United to the CAF Confederation Cup final, giving him experience in both domestic and continental competition.

Kotoko will now expect that background to help lift them from last season’s eighth-place finish. The club’s rebuilding effort will begin with a meeting against Hearts of Oak in the Democracy Cup on August 28, which will be Tinkler’s first test in charge.

The fixture will provide an early opportunity for the new coach to assess his squad and begin shaping the side for the new league season. Tinkler’s stated appetite for difficult challenges will be tested as he attempts to restore Kotoko to a stronger position after their underwhelming previous campaign.