Menzo backs Tinkler as Asante Kotoko head coach ahead of 2026/27

Asante Kotoko have appointed 55-year-old Eric Tinkler as head coach ahead of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season, a decision director of football Stanley Menzo believes is the right one for the club.

Menzo has endorsed the South African’s appointment after Kotoko endured a disappointing previous campaign and failed to secure a place among the league’s top four. The new coach has been given the task of taking the Porcupine Warriors back towards the leading positions in Ghanaian football.

Tinkler brings experience from previous managerial spells at Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City. Menzo highlighted his ability to establish competitive teams and said Kotoko selected the strongest available candidate for the job.

The coach has already started working with the squad as preparations continue in Accra. Kotoko are seeking to move beyond last season’s difficulties and compete for major honours during the new campaign.

Tinkler’s first competitive assessment of the team will come in the 2026 Democracy Cup, when Kotoko meet rivals Hearts of Oak. The fixture will provide an early test of the squad under its new coach and an opportunity for him to evaluate his players in a competitive setting.

Kotoko will then begin their 2026/27 Ghana Premier League campaign away to Debibi United. The opening fixture will mark the start of Tinkler’s effort to improve the club’s league standing after their failure to reach the top four last season.