Ofosu-Ware explains Tinkler appointment as Kotoko seek a reset

Asante Kotoko supporters chief Solomon Ofosu-Ware has defended the club’s decision to appoint South African coach Eric Tinkler, saying concerns about discipline and player egos helped shape the move. The Porcupine Warriors are preparing for the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season after finishing eighth last term.

Kotoko’s previous campaign was described as a difficult one, with Abdul Karim Zito, Prince Yaw Owusu and Hamza Obeng all taking charge during the season. The club responded by changing its technical structure, first naming Stanley Purl Menzo as director of football before placing Tinkler in charge of the team.

Ofosu-Ware said the supporters’ leadership wanted the new setup to restore discipline within the squad. He argued that some players had not shown the required level of discipline and that an expatriate coach could provide firmer control.

Speaking to Nationalist TV, he also pointed to the relationship between local coaches and players as a possible obstacle. In his view, shared nationality and language can make it harder for a Ghanaian coach to maintain authority, particularly when firm decisions lead players to attach negative labels to the coach.

Ofosu-Ware said the club had examined Tinkler’s record and regarded him as a coach who places strong emphasis on discipline. He added that the next test would be what Tinkler and Menzo deliver once they begin their work with the team.

Kotoko will start the new league campaign away to newly promoted Debibi United. Before that fixture, the club is scheduled to meet rivals Hearts of Oak in the 2026 Democracy Cup as part of its preparations. The appointments therefore come as Kotoko attempt to move on from an eighth-place finish and establish a more stable technical direction.