Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko SC have confirmed the appointment of former Sekhukhune United and Cape Town City FC man Eric Tinkler as their new head coach with immediate effect.
The two-time African champions, known as the ‘Porcupine Warriors’, announced the historic move on Friday via a press release.
The appointment marks Tinkler’s first-ever foray into continental football coaching outside the borders of South Africa, having worked in the PSL since transitioning into coaching over a decade ago.
The former Bafana Bafana star was previously linked with Tanzanian powerhouse Young Africans following his departure from Sekhukhune United last season. However, Asante Kotoko have now secured his services.
At Asante Kotoko, Tinkler replaces Abdul Karim Zito, who vacated the hot seat in March. The duo of Prince Yaw Owusu and Hamza Obeng had been holding the fort on an interim basis while the Kumasi-based club hunted for Zito’s permanent replacement.
Tinkler arrives in West Africa armed with continental pedigree. He first tasted success as Roger De Sa’s assistant, helping guide Orlando Pirates to the 2013 CAF Champions League final. He then repeated the feat as a head coach, leading Orlando Pirates to the 2015 CAF Confederation Cup final, and later taking the now-defunct SuperSport United to the same stage of Africa’s second-tier club competition in 2017
On the domestic front, his resume boasts two cup titles: the MTN8 and the Telkom Knockout. In addition, the 1996 AFCON winner with Bafana holds the CAF A Licence.
ASANTE KOTOKO HAIL ‘WORLD-CLASS’ ERIC TINKLER FOLLOWING OFFICIAL APPOINTMENT
In a statement, Asante Kotoko said: “The appointment brings to the Porcupine Warriors family a world-class coach of proven pedigree, extensive top-flight experience, and a distinguished playing career at the highest level of the game.
“As a player, coach Tinkler earned 48 caps for South Africa, captaining the national team at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations and representing the country at the 1998 FIFA World Cup. He was part of the South African squad that won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations. He enjoyed an excellent professional playing career in England, Italy and Portugal, featuring for clubs such as Barnsley FC, Cagliari Calcio and Vitória de Setubal.
“Renowned for his tactical acumen, structured methodology, and fantastic record of player development, Coach Tinkler will work closely with the club’s Director of Football, Stanley Menzo Purl, as the Porcupine Warriors forges on to build a formidable structure geared towards sustained success on the domestic and continental stage.”
Speaking on his new assignment in West Africa, the 55-year-old tactician expressed his pride and excitement at joining the Ghanaian powerhouse.
ERIC TINKLER REACTS TO LANDING ASANTE KOTOKO JOB
“I am honoured and excited to join one of Africa’s most storied football institutions,” he said. “Asante Kotoko’s rich history, passion for success and ambition for development is not hidden in Africa. I look forward to working with the players, staff, and management to build a team that can compete and win, both at home and on the continental stage. I feel proud to be associated with this great club at this historical moment.”
Meanwhile, reflecting the mood within the club’s leadership following the successful conclusion of negotiations, James Osei Brown spoke warmly of the new era awaiting the Porcupine Warriors.
“Eric brings a wealth of experience, discipline, and a winning pedigree to our technical bench. His track record of developing players and delivering results at the highest level in African football makes him the right man to lead our team at this important time. We warmly welcome him to the Fabulous family, a group united in heritage and driven by excellence, and look forward to the success ahead.”
RELATED STORY: Eric Tinkler linked with Durban City job after Sekhukhune exit
