Tinkler turns to Kotoko veterans after 1-0 Heart of Lions win

Asante Kotoko beat Heart of Lions 1-0 in a pre-season match at the University of Ghana Stadium on Tuesday, with coach Eric Tinkler placing responsibility on the club’s experienced players to help develop a younger squad.

The victory formed part of Kotoko’s preparations for the new campaign as Tinkler works with a team that has undergone major changes. The Kumasi club finished eighth last season and have since seen several established players leave, while a number of younger footballers have been brought into the group.

Tinkler expects the senior members to set the standards during that transition. Their experience of the domestic league, as well as football outside Ghana, is expected to help the emerging players adjust to the demands of playing for Kotoko and understand the level required at the club.

Three players promoted from the club’s youth system — Abu, Lawson and A Fory — are among those being integrated into the senior squad. Their progress will depend partly on the guidance they receive from the older members of the team as they compete for places and adapt to first-team football.

Former Kotoko captains Danlad Ibrahim and Richard Boadu are among the experienced figures expected to provide that influence. Their return gives Tinkler senior players with knowledge of the club and responsibility within the dressing room as the rebuilding process continues.

The coach is also looking for the experienced players to help preserve Kotoko’s winning mentality while supporting the development of the younger group. Tuesday’s narrow victory over Heart of Lions offered another opportunity to assess the reshaped squad before the start of the new season.