New Kotoko coach Tinkler embraces rebuild after 1-0 pre-season win

Asante Kotoko began Eric Tinkler’s tenure with a 1-0 pre-season victory over Heart of Lions at the University of Ghana Stadium. The South African coach, who has 14 years of experience in management, says the rebuilding demands at one of Ghana’s biggest clubs suit him.

Tinkler has worked at several leading South African teams, including Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United, Cape Town City, Maritzburg United and Bidvest Wits. His previous assignments have included clubs fighting to avoid relegation as well as teams being formed with limited resources.

He has also overseen a fresh team-building project. During his time at Wits University, Tinkler started a football academy and helped develop it. In another rebuilding role, he began with a squad of only five players before guiding the team to third place in the league and qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup.

Tinkler’s continental record includes taking Orlando Pirates to the CAF Champions League final and SuperSport United to the CAF Confederation Cup final. Those experiences are part of the background he will draw on as he attempts to raise Kotoko’s level and return the club to the leading positions in Ghanaian football.

The win over Heart of Lions was a friendly and therefore does not change Kotoko’s league position or form record. It nevertheless gave Tinkler an early result before his first competitive assignment, the 2026 Democracy Cup meeting with arch-rivals Hearts of Oak on August 28.

Kotoko will then start their 2026/27 Ghana Premier League campaign away to newly promoted Debibi United on September 6, 2026. Tinkler’s stated objective is to rebuild the squad, compete for major honours and restore the Porcupine Warriors among Ghana’s top clubs.