Newly appointed Asante Kotoko head coach Eric Tinkler has laid bare the massive double objective behind his historic move to the Ghanaian powerhouse.
The former Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United coach was unveiled by the Ghana Premier Soccer League side on Friday, bringing his vast knowledge of the game to the ambitious Kotoko.
Tinkler is returning to the dugout after parting ways with the Betway Premiership side Sekhukhune in April 2026, following the club’s dip in form in the second round of the 2025/26 season.
After spending a few weeks on the sidelines, Tinkler has taken up a coaching role outside South Africa for the first time, having previously spent his entire managerial career in his home country. The former Bafana Bafana international follows a growing trend of high-profile, South African-born tacticians who are exploring massive opportunities across the continent.
Coaches such as Rulani Mokwena, Manqoba Mngqithi, Steve Barker, and Fadlu Davids are just some of the notable names who have recently traded the Betway Premiership for major projects in other African leagues.
THE DUAL MANDATE: TINKLER AIMS TO RESTORE ASANTE KOTOKO’S GLORY AND NURTURE NATIONAL TEAM TALENT
Speaking on his appointment as the head coach of the two-time African champions, the 55-year-old mentor laid bare his ultimate mission in Ghana, declaring that restoring the club to the pinnacle of continental football is his primary objective.
“Hi, I’m Eric Tinkler, the new head coach of Asante Kotoko. I want to tell the fans, the players, the staff and the chairman that I’m a very ambitious coach and I come here with passion and desire to own things,” Tinkler told Asante Kotoko media.
“Asante Kotoko is a massive club on the African continent, and we want to bring back the glory to the football club. That will be my primary objective and target, but at the same time, it’s about developing for the future, making sure that the historical club like Asante Kotoko continues to produce fantastic players that can represent their national team.
“Obviously, I played at the highest level both in Europe and Africa; I coached quite a few teams in South Africa. I’ve been involved in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup. I won quite a few cup competitions in South Africa. So hopefully I can bring that success to Asante Kotoko; that will be my purpose and my aim.”
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