Kotoko coach Tinkler criticises Ghana pitches before 2026/27 season

Asante Kotoko coach Eric Tinkler has criticised the condition of pitches in Ghana ahead of the 2026/27 football season, despite his team’s pre-season victory over Heart of Lions on Tuesday. Kotoko have two more friendly matches scheduled before the Ghana Premier League campaign begins in September.

Tinkler said the playing surfaces were making it difficult for Kotoko to produce the style of football he wants. The coach is seeking a possession-based approach, but believes uneven or poor-quality pitches limit the players’ ability to build their game properly.

The criticism came after the win against Heart of Lions, with the match forming part of Kotoko’s preparations for the new league season. Tinkler’s focus was not only on the result, but also on the conditions under which his team is expected to perform.

The South African coach said Kotoko could not treat the pitches as an excuse. Having worked in several African countries, he described the situation as a familiar reality and said the squad must learn to deal with it during matches.

That adjustment could mean prioritising results when the surface prevents Kotoko from controlling possession. Tinkler said the team would have to find ways to win even when its preferred football is not possible, including in matches that become difficult and unattractive.

Kotoko’s immediate task is to complete their remaining two friendlies before the Ghana Premier League starts in September. The pre-season programme will give Tinkler further opportunities to prepare the team for a campaign in which he wants the club to finish high in the standings, while also adapting to the conditions he has highlighted.